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Cellular Phones/Blackberry 7290 simcard

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Expert: - 11/10/2011


Question
Hello, I purchased an unlocked BB 7290. When I insert my simcard it recognizes it (number and phone number) buy when attmpting to connect to my network (Walmart Family) it says "out of reach"
I have several others of same model that work just fine as soon as they are turned on.
Looking at the simcard info I see card "Disabled" and network "incative". I was told that network inactive shows it's unlocked, but how do I make the phone connect to my network like the others?
Thank you for any advice

Answer
What it sounds to me is that the radio antenna of this device is broken. Since you know that your SIM card works because you can put it into other devices, then the issue is with the BlackBerry. This 7290 came out 6 years ago and it's not that likely that one that has been used throughout those years still works properly. It recognizes your SIM because any device whether working on the network or not typically be able to read a SIM to determine the phone number, but if it can't find or see the network, then the issue is typically with the device and it's ability to access the network. I'm hopeful that you didn't pay very much for the device or that potentially, you can return it. Another thing about a BlackBerry - it won't work for anything other than voice and text unless your carrier supports BlackBerrys and that specific model otherwise, there's no way to "code" or "associate" the data network with it. Hope this helps.

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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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