Following up on yesterday’s story about an Australian watchdog preparing a lawsuit against Apple over selling new iPads there which don’t work with the country’s 4G LTE wireless, Cupertino is now offering refunds to those who feel misled.
ABC News -- as in Australian Broadcasting Corporation -- is reporting that Apple has “entered into discussions” with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the consumer watchdog group who yesterday threatened the iPad maker with a lawsuit over “misleading statements” about the new model’s 4G LTE wireless capability.
The problem stems from the country’s incompatible 4G LTE, which means eager Aussie buyers are only able to connect at 3G speeds -- despite the fact that Apple never promised the new iPad could connect to carrier Telstra’s 4G LTE network. (The new iPad launched earlier this month with partners in the U.S. and Canada only, for now.)
“Today Apple's lawyers argued it was never specified the iPad could connect to Telstra's network, but told the court the device is compatible with other networks that by international standards are deemed 4G,” the report reveals. “Apple has agreed to publish a clarification that states the product supports ultra-fast mobile networks but is not compatible with the Telstra network.
“The company says it will email purchasers offering a refund if they believe they have been misled,” the report continues. “Clarifications will also be made at point of sale.” In the meantime, the ACCC action against Apple continues in Melbourne Federal Court.
(One small clarification to our earlier report: Apple has not been stickering new iPad boxes with the warning shown above -- carrier Telstra has. Thanks to Tom F. for pointing that out to us!)
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