Most stores, restaurants or motels etc have free WiFi available but sometimes you need to ask for their customer sign-in or for mine I just have to open the web server page on my Ipad and have it search for a connection, then I save that as what ever the shop/store name is so it is there next time I go. I do not have an extra data package.

GeriB...someone said I could buy a wireless router but it is expensive, but my argument is why should I buy it, my cable provider should...you keep referring to your cable..do they provide your internet service? If so, they should have set up your wireless router modem when they installed. As someone said, you may not have told your ipad to connect to your wireless network. You will love it once you get everything worked out. No, you will ot be able to use it outside out of range of your modem, unless you access free wireless in restaurants, etc. I took mine to the hospital, and had to sign onto theirs with their 'password' (asked a nurse), and I was able to surf the net, and ck my email by logging onto my home internet provider. You will love downloading PDFs to follow instructions while wuilting-there are great apps that install on your ipad for quilt pattern info, for fabric needs, for measurements and so on. And if you embroider, you can instal the app. Dolphin Browser to download designs. You can then 'send' them to your computer, or install another app called Dropbox, and save your info there--then install Dropbox in your computer.and they will sync and info wil be stored both places. That is neat! You just need to get your connection problems worked out and you're in business.

You might want to return the one you have and get the 3g or 4g one. That makes it portable - so you can use it just like an Iphone. I have an Ipad waiting for me for Christmas. It's only wifi capable. That's all I wanted. I know my router password and will put that in and will be able to use it at home and at Starbuck's. When my 17 year old dog finally passes on, I will be able to go see my kids and use it at their homes with their passwords. My husband has an ipad waiting for him for Christmas and will take it on the train and use it in the hotel when he puts in their password. We didn't go for the plan. We just use our Iphone or Droid when we are out of range of wifi. But, I think you might want the capability of the 3 or 4 g. It's a couple of hundred dollars more for the Ipad.

I have a very old router and it's connected to the digital cable line, just like you connect to your tv. If you have only one cable line then buy a spliter. That's all you need to have wi fi if you have internet through your cable service. Most cable companies won't install a router or hook it up for you. You can buy one at Walmart for about $50. It's easy, step by step instruction come up on your computer.

Not sure where in Illinois you live but there is an Apple store in St louis, Mo at the West County mall. There is one in Chicago too.

I would go back to Walmart and talk to one of the employees in the Electronic dept where you bought it. Those kids will be able to explain to you what version of Ipad you have. Dont give up on it.

You say that you have a Kindle??? That requires wifi connection doesn't it??? Check your Settings on the Ipad. Look for Wi Fi in the Sertings. The icon looks like a gear.

All ipads are wi fi capable. You want to find out if yours is capable to run on the cellular system. It would require you paying a monthly fee on the cellular system.. Att, Verizon, etc. I would think not...you would have likely been activated at the store.

I have a wi fi only Ipad. I use mine at the house, in hotels, the library, McDonald's, etc. i did not want to pay for a data plan since my iphone requires paying for one.

Dont get discouraged...it will do what you want to do.

Sandy

As someone above mentioned you need to go to the settings icon when you turn on your iPad. Click on it. Then click on wifi and see what it says. You may even need a user password to log. This is all I can think of for now. I'm thinking if you have a router this should work.

Geri B, I guess one question we have all forgotten to ask is, do you have a WIRELESS ROUTER (WIFI) set up in your home? Sometimes I think we all just assume everyone has one! If not, your internet provider *should* set it up for you, and then you would have no problem connecting. Can you connect wirelessly with a laptop, cell phone, etc, other than your Ipad?