Apple said a small number of iPad 2 users have connectivity issues with Verizon's 3G network and that it is investigating the problem, according to the story.

Verizon declined to comment, referring questions to Apple. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The story points to from users on the online Apple support forum. The users say when they try to connect to the Verizon network, the device says it is searching but never connects. Several users say they have returned the tablets to Apple stores, and in some cases the issue has been temporarily fixed only to reappear later.

Others have swapped for a new tablet and discovered the same problem.

The iPad 2 went on sale in March and is available in a 3G version from both AT&T and Verizon.