Simlock 3 Unlock

old_wrinkly_2

Not sure where the correct place is to post this.

I have just purchased a brand new, never been used, Nokia 5230 through a business seller on eBay. Unfortunately, I have only just spotted that it is Simlock 3, this is probably why the price I paid was lower than I expected.

At the moment I am on a Virgin £10 rolling 30 day contract (Virgin 10 200+3000).

Been searching with Google about getting the Nokia unlocked but from what I have been reading, although many threads are quite old, this can only be done by 3 and that a fee would apply.

Can anyone tell me what the procedure would be for getting and applying an unlock code so I can use the phone on Virgin.

I could buy a 3 sim only which would give me more or less the same service (only 100 minutes but as compensation internet allowance) and cost as my current Virgin account but I don't want to lose my existing number. I know I can port my number across but this is rather a last resort at the moment and beside which I prefer to have an unlocked phone as it gives more network options. Also if I am going to switch to 3 I need to do it before my next Virgin update.

If I can get it unlocked would there still be a residue of any 3 network items still on the phone.

Any help much appreciated.

Jon_01

You could buy a 3 payg sim and top it up by the amount they charge for an unlock (£15 I think).
A local phone shop might be able to do it for about the same change.

All the setting on it will be for 3, if you want to use it on Virgin you'll need to get them to send their setting to the phone (via text) or if they don't have them (because they don't offer the phone), find them on the net and enter them manually. It'll work as a phone with out but internet/mms and even the text messaging centre number will be wrong for everything else.

old_wrinkly_2

Thanks for the quick reply. Feel really silly I didn't spot the Simlock 3 on the auction before I bought, but I did spot it rather near to close, well that's my excuse.

From what you are saying it looks as if the easier option is to get the 3 sim card and transfer my number and then look at getting it unlocked at a later date unless anyone can come up with a different solution.

I don't think Virgin offer the Nokia 5230 so if that's the case how would I search for the manual settings for Virgin?

I have emailed Virgin and asked them for the code I need to port my number to 3 and also what I need to do to cancel my account.

I'm going into Colchester, my local town, and there is a phone shop there that does unlocking so I will pop in and see what they say.

What's the 3 network like and does the internet allowance work when abroad or only in the UK?

Jon_01

Getting the setting isn't that hard (as a rule). I used work on the tech support line of one of the network, if it was quite we could take time and work it out most of the time.

You might be best getting a free 3 payg sim and trying it where you need it work, all networks coverage can be patchy. Even their coverage maps won't tell you the signal you'll get indoors, that's down to the type of building you're in.
Data allowance is for the Uk only, roaming costs will depend on where you are in the world. Some area's can charge £10 a meg! You should always check before you travel.

old_wrinkly_2

Been to my local store and they want £30 to unlock the phone and it will take 3-5 working days. . Have decided best option is probably to switch to 3 and port my number. Still waiting for Virgin to get back with my PAC number, applied on the 11th via web site enquiry form. Phone is on the way and should be with me within a couple of days so got a bit of time before I need the PAC code.

Intasun32

old_wrinkly wrote: »

Been to my local store and they want £30 to unlock the phone and it will take 3-5 working days. . Have decided best option is probably to switch to 3 and port my number. Still waiting for Virgin to get back with my PAC number, applied on the 11th via web site enquiry form. Phone is on the way and should be with me within a couple of days so got a bit of time before I need the PAC code.

@Oldwrinkly,

From one Oldwrinkly to another there is another option;

http://www.mobilefona.com/shop/products.php?product=1-x-Turbo-Sim-%28ON-SALE%21%29

Check this out. I have used a Turbo Sim X in a 3 locked Nokia 6500 slide for the past two years with an Orange sim card. It's simple to install by just following the instructions enclosed.

Worth a try @ £4.50, which is half that I paid.

Good luck

:beer:

old_wrinkly_2

Hi, thanks for the info. 3 have confirmed it is £15 forthem to unlock the phone which is better. However, your suggestion looks interesting and worth a dabble at £4.50 especially as free P&P. Do I take it that you just slip the Turbo Sim in the phone and then you fit the network SIM onto that? The Nokia 5230 isn't shown on their list so I have emailed them to make sure it's compatible. Will post back with reply as this may help others.

old_wrinkly_2

Hi, not had any reply and looking through the web site again I think it is unlikely that the Turbo SIM would work with the 5230. I have therefore taken the plunge and got 3 to unlock the phone. It cost me £15 but it's worked so at least now I have some freedom should I decide to move from 3 at some stage in the future. The phone still has a lot of 3 software but that's often the case with unlocked phones my old mobile still had a lot of Vodafone stuff. Thanks for replying.

tototo

I'm glad I checked the forums before indulging and breaking my handset. I have one on 3 as well but bought it because I had checked on the unlocknokiafree website, which is recommended by Martin's site and they DO have free unlocking link for a 3 nokia 5230 but being a newer Nokia I thought I would check first as some forums say newer versions will come up with 'phone blocked' if you use these remote unlocking codes. Does anyone know if unlocknokiafree's link works at all since the handset is listed there and so is the 3 network??? Thanks.:money: