Network 3 sim in unlocked phone

[GrahamB]

As brief as I can be, I have been given a Sony Experia phone, unlocked to any network but my "3" sim card doesn't work in it. Anyone know why this might be before I Have to call in to the "3" shop & deal with the idiots who work there, & they really are idiots.

[locksmith]

Because it's not really unlocked?

[Davebo]

It's either locked to a network or unlocked to all. If it's unlocked it should work with a 3 sim in it.

If you know the IMEI number you can look up the origin of the phone and work out if it's a UK model or not.

Not that I'd admit working for a UK/Spanish network. Well, not 3 anyway, but I know a man who does.

[karlo]

Because it's not really unlocked?

I'd go with that cos we use 3 and i've never had a problem using a sim in an unlocked fone.

[rustyrider]

Or it's nicked (or at least been reported as nicked) and the IMEI number has been blocked on all UK networks so although it is unlocked, it isn't going to work.  Have you another SIM to try in it and see?

[clayt74]

Can also depend on the age of the sim! 3 where the first to bring out what they called a U sim(not to be confused with the new micro sim)
The U sim was the same size as the old sims but would only work in a 3 phone regardless of if the phone was unlocked or not.
Try a different sim and if it works 3 should replace your existing sim and no for free

[midden]

You should call 3 to register the phone. They don't like non 3 phones being used and will eventually shut it down. 

[midden]

And of course it may not be unlocked. Ha e you tried different network Sims in it

[69oldskool]

i think '3' fones only work on 3g network,think all others allow you to use 3g or gsm,like when the networks are busy you may drop down to gsm.
maybe your'e not getting good 3g coverage?....or maybe i'm talking rubbish, my phones positively ancient :lol

[Razgruff]

Got Experia on O2 , and about to put a 3 sim into it, I have to get the fone unlocked by O2 because they don't get unlocked by the back street shops properly, it's something to do with the fone and not the network

Sent from my ST27i using Tapatalk

[GrahamB]

Well, I went to the 3 shop, tried one of their sims cards in my new phone which worked fine so had to pay a fiver for a replacement sim which is now working good as gold.  :\