Apple Faces Investigation into 4G iPad Claims

What happened?

Apple has landed in hot water over claims that the new iPad supports 4G mobile broadband, the successor to current 3G networks.

However, the iPad only supports US versions of 4G. Such networks aren't available yet in the UK, but when they do arrive they'll use a different part of the radio spectrum than US 4G -meaning the current iPad will never support the US version of 4G on these shores.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is considering investigating the issue, while Australian regulators have already forced Apple to offer refunds to customers.

How will it affect you? 

At the moment, iPad owners shouldn't worry. There simply isn't a 4G network in the UK, so it doesn't matter what part of the radio spectrum the tablet supports.

When such next-generation networks arrive, iPad owners will be limited to existing 3G networks: mobile broadband will still work, but you won't get the speeds promised by 4G, which is something to keep in mind when signing up for a data plan.

What do we think? 

The ASA's investigation won't worry Apple - the worst punishment the watchdog ever doles out is banning an ad from running again. But Apple should show its overseas customers more respect. Such a flaw should embarrass its engineers.

You can check out different tablets around the internet such as those at Dialaphone. You can also look at the different mobile phone deals and try to find one that best suits your needs.