[fsckboy]

I've never understood why iPads can't be used as phones with an ordinary cellphone SIM. Is it simply because Apple doesn't want to pay a Qualcomm licensing fee or some equivalent? Who is it in the chain/ecosystem that does not want tablets being used as full phones, the carriers? Apple?

[jrockway]

I'm guessing it doesn't fit well with the carriers' price structure. Adding a tablet / smart watch / etc. is cheaper than adding another phone to your account. I wouldn't have a cellular iPad if it was a lot extra per month, but I think I pay $10 for both the tablet and the watch, which is fine with me.