I know how you feel, it seems like a big waste. Why wouldn't you just buy them and not get data plans? It's not like you're forced to get ipads with the data

I know how you feel, it seems like a big waste. Why wouldn't you just buy them and not get data plans? It's not like you're forced to get ipads with the data plan. Especially if they'll be on wifi most of the time. And if it's for you kids, lets be honest, most of their time will be spent playing games, which a data plan is not necessary for once, they've got the app. As far as different carriers using different technology, haha, good luck with that. The difference between Verizon or AT&T's cellular technology goes a little bit beyond "a different RF section" But the whole point of LTE is that eventually everybody will be on that standard, then you really shouldn't have to worry much.