Apple investigating Verizon iPad 2 connection issues

A growing number of users report having trouble connecting to the Verizon data network with their iPad 2 3Gs, especially after turning 3G service off and back on. A support thread regarding the issue on Apple's discussion forums has drawn more than 80 replies.

An Apple spokesperson confirmed the issue to All Things Digital on Friday. “We are aware that a small number of iPad 2 customers have experienced connectivity issues with the Verizon 3G network and we are investigating it,” the company said in a statement.

Apple launched the iPad 2 last month with three models: WiFi only, WiFi and AT&T-compatible 3G, and WiFi and Verizon-compatible 3G. The new device drew record lines, though some readers reported that the Verizon iPad 2 was selling out more slowly than the WiFi only and AT&T models.

AT&T customers do not appear to be experiencing the connectivity problem.

The partnership between Apple and Verizon was minted relatively recently. Verizon began selling the iPad at its retail stores last October, though it sold the WiFi only version of the device bundled with a MiFi Mobile Hotspot device.

After years of AT&T iPhone exclusivity in the U.S., Apple and Verizon launched the iPhone 4 in February. Verizon later announced that the iPhone 4 set a record for the largest handset launch in the company's history.

The Verizon connectivity issue isn't the only problem that customers of the iPad 2 are facing. Early adopters of the device noted freezing issues with the FaceTime video chat feature.

It should be noted, however, that neither issue seems to be particularly widespread, affecting only a small percentage of users.

If the Verizon connectivity issue stems from an issue with iOS, a fix could be issued in iOS 4.3.2, which is rumored to arrive in the next few weeks. The update is expected to provide a few enhancements, address security issues and fix several bugs, though it is not yet clear what bugs will be fixed.