Prepaid data plan for iPad?

[PhotoJim]

Is there any way to use the prepaid data plans on the iPad? (Yes, I know it will usually be EDGE.)

I got a microsim the other day but while it registers, it won't permit a data connection (whether in the iPad or in a Jet data stick). One option that occurs to me is to see if I can change my SIM card on my existing Jet prepaid data account to the microsim. That way I could use it in the data stick with an adapter, or in the iPad. (Anyone tried this?)

[Gumpphone]

Easiest way would probably to get a mobile wifi hotspot device. Assuming you've got a device & plan that can make a data connection and do a mobile wifi hotspot, it shold work just fine with an iPad. I've used this approach numerous times using my el cheapo Comet phone, temporarily switching for PAYG to PBTD for $2 or $3, and connecting the iPad to the hotspot. T-Mobile is I guess, cracking down on mobile hotspot use on prepaid phone plans as opposed to actual mobile broadband devices, but this still worked for me a couple of weeks ago, after others started reporting getting errors. Maybe the Comet is below their radar.

[gunterm]

iPad 3G devices were sold unlocked and as AT&T devices so I doubt it's on the banned list for the $30plan.

[PhotoJim]

As far as I know all iPads are unlocked. Mine is a 1st-gen Canadian one and I have used it with Rogers, Bell and AT&T without issue.

Overall though I can run my iPad more cheaply using T-Mobile prepaid broadband than I can using AT&T (with my usage and US visit patterns at least). That, and I'm a geek that would like to play with using T-Mobile on my iPad for awhile.

The WiFi device option is a decent one but the WiFi spectrum is really busy in a lot of the places I go. That, and I like to travel with as few devices as I can.

I'll call T-Mobile and see (hopefully their 800 number works from Canada; I got home yesterday) but I'm still open to hearing opinions and ideas.

[Chop-Chop]

Yeah the comet is the best and cheapest bet to use as a wifihotspot. If you want to do broadband don't forget that tmobile recently added some prepaid plans. If you buy them thru walmart I believe you get extended time to use your data.