Tested: iOS 4.3.1 Update Fixes Verizon iPad 2 3G Freezing

Yesterday, CNET and others reported that some Verizon iPad 2 owners who had turned cellular data off and then on again on their tablets couldn’t reconnect to the network. The only solution: reboot. We experienced the issue on our iPad 2 as well. Toggling 3G off and on caused the device to endlessly search for a 3G connection, and engaging airplane mode didn’t help. Well, now there’s a more elegant solution.

After downloading the iOS 4.3.1 update for our iPad 2, we can now switch 3G off and then on, and the device almost immediately connects. We did notice that it took 15 seconds for 3G to turn off, but that’s not a big deal. So if you own a Verizon iPad 2, make sure you’re running the latest version of the OS. And let us know how it goes in the comments.

If that doesn’t work for you, rest assured that Apple is on the case. The company just released this statement to us:

“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.”