Apple's New iPad Faces 4G Snags Outside US

Apple’s new iPad faced rising complaints from a number of countries over its lack of compatibility with super-fast 4G networks outside of North America. In Australia, Apple will head back to court in early May in a fight to retain the "4G" branding on the latest edition of its popular tablet computer, while Sweden's consumer watchdog is considering whether to launch an investigation into whether the labeling is misleading.

The issue arises because the frequency bands allocated to run next-generation 4G networks differ from country to country. On its website, Apple states: "4G LTE is supported only on AT&T and Verizon networks in the U.S. and on Bell, Rogers, and Telus networks in Canada. Data plans sold separately. See your carrier for details." Apple has already agreed with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, or ACCC, to clarify claims the new iPad is compatible with 4G telecommunications networks and will offer to refund early purchasers of the product who may feel misled about the iPad's capabilities in the country. In Federal Court proceedings brought by the commission in Melbourne, lawyers for Apple said the computer giant would take the steps to ensure consumers didn't buy the new iPad mistakenly believing it could connect to Telstra Corp.'s fastest wireless network, which differs from the 4G networks rolled out in the U.S. and Canada.