Really, Really Dense Mobile Phone Question

ChelseaGirl · 27 February 2010 at 9:26PM

I currently have a really old Sharp phone on Vodafone PAYG.
The other day I was lucky enough to win a Sony Ericsson Satio Touch phone which was part of a goodie bag that was given to all Bafta nominees.
The Baftas were sponsored by Orange, and although I've put my Vodafone Sim into the phone, I can't access the internet and some other stuff.
I want to keep my current number as I've had it for years and use it for competition entries, and I'd really like to stay with Vodafone as I've been with them for ever.
The phone I won was in 'Orange' branded packaging and the phone actually says 'Orange' on it.
Will I have to switch to Orange to be able to use the phone properly? Will I be able to keep my current number if I do?

Any advice or info gratefully received. Sorry if I've asked some really obvious questions - I'm just not techy minded at all (as you can tell...)

Thanks in advance. x

macman · 27 February 2010 at 9:43PM

If the new phone is network unocked then normally you can use another network's SIM in it. Orange phones are normally network locked. If you can use the phone to make calls using the Voda SIM then that suggests that it is not locked.
The other problem you may have is that the Satio uses 3G and your old SIM does not support 3G. I suggest you first talk to Vodafone.
The branding on the phone is just cosmetic.

Darksun · 27 February 2010 at 9:44PM

Depends whether the phone is unlocked or not. From the sounds of it you can make calls and send texts using your Vodaphone SIM in the new phone? If so, then it's probably not locked

The reason you might not be able to access the Internet and other services is your SIM/account might not be set up for that, get in touch with Vodaphone to see if they can enable it. Also, you *might* have to change some settings in the phone manually to point to Vodaphone's APN, etc, but then again this might be automatic.

ChelseaGirl · 27 February 2010 at 9:50PM

If I try to conect to the internet, it automatically tries to connect via Orange and then fails. Does that sound as though it's locked? I've sent one text so far(not made any calls), but I don't know whether it has been received...

Darksun · 27 February 2010 at 9:53PM

Well generally if a phone is locked and you put in a SIM from another network it will tell you there is no service available and not let you do a lot, so it doesn't sound like it is locked

If you go into the settings for your phone, does it have anything for internet settings? Look at what details are in there, you might need to replace them with details provided by Vodafone

ChelseaGirl · 27 February 2010 at 9:54PM

OK, just called my landline number on the mobile - and it worked! I'll have to look at internet settings as you've suggested. Can't believe how much there is to find out about...

Thanks for your help! x