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Cellular Phones/No Service on Unlocked Smartphone
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Question
Hi,
I recently purchased a generic smartphone (it's coded as FV16 Android 2.2 - if it means anything), but when I put my sim card in, it comes up with no service, but the sim works perfectly on the old basic phone. All the other functions work. What can I do?
Thanks
The problem is likely because of a couple of things - 1. may be that you need an upgraded SIM card from your carrier to use a SmartPhone and that may be because the SmartPhone requires more SIM card memory and you may not have upgraded your SIM in awhile. 2. May be that you have the SIM card in the wrong slot. This device has two SIM card slots. Make sure you have your SIM card in the first SIM card slot. 3. may be that your carrier works on the 2100 band in your area and this phone is only quad band (not a likely cause). I would recommend calling your carrier to ask them if there are any other reasons why a generic SmartPhone wouldn't work on their network. It is also possible the phone is damaged, but if I were to guess, I would think it's 1 or 2. I hope this helps. One more thing, your carrier may code your SIM to both your phone number and device. Ask them this also. If that's the case, they will need to code you to the new phone.
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DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
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