why do a lot of BB's unlock to every network except 3?

longwalks1

as above really, looking for a cheap BB on Ebay or similar to use for browsing and seen some good 3 network SIM only deals, why do a lot of slightly older BB's seem to be unlocked to all networks EXCEPT 3?

Heretic_osjc

3 use a special type of 3G Sim called a USIM where other networks use normal Sims that can pick up 3G. Now USIMs are not universally accepted in 2G phones. The odd one may allow USIMs but only a very tiny tiny ammount and I don't think any on the market at the moment work I remember years ago 1 or 2 nokias and samsungs did but not these days.

USIMs will generally only work with 3G enabled handsets

hope this helps

KingElvis

Yep, you need to get a 3G compatible Blackberry, I've unlocked 50+ Bold 9700s and my 3 sim has been used to test each and every one of them, they all worked fine.

If you get a non 3G handset and use a 3 sim in it, they switch it off with in few hours but you may last a day or so.

Heretic_osjc

KingElvis wrote: »

Yep, you need to get a 3G compatible Blackberry, I've unlocked 50+ Bold 9700s and my 3 sim has been used to test each and every one of them, they all worked fine.

If you get a non 3G handset and use a 3 sim in it, they switch it off with in few hours but you may last a day or so.

Thats if you're lucky enough to fine a 2G handset that'll accept USIMs. But you are right I was friends with a guy who owned an Unlocking store in Walthamstow he was using his 3 sim in a nokia 3220 (i think it was that model the old old x-factor phone with the flashing lights on the side). It worked fine for a month or so then he recived a text from 3 saying he was inbreach of his T&Cs for using a 2G phone and that they would put a fine on his Bill if he didn't switch to a 3G handset.

In 3s early days they were rather harsh. I used to work for a company that sold 3 contracts and we used to get customers come in with £600+ charges on their bills. Turned out if your phone was lost or stolen and you used a different IMEI to what was on your account they fined you for the cost of the phone and fined for using a different handset. They were millitant back in those days.

KingElvis

I just tried a 3 PAYG sim in a 2G Curve 8900 and the message came through within 30 seconds that the phone will be switched off in the next hour LOL

Heretic_osjc

KingElvis wrote: »

I just tried a 3 PAYG sim in a 2G Curve 8900 and the message came through within 30 seconds that the phone will be switched off in the next hour LOL

LOL they are really on the ball with it aren't they.

Its because they don't want to pay orange for using their network when they don't have to.

KingElvis

Heretic_osjc wrote: »

LOL they are really on the ball with it aren't they.

Its because they don't want to pay orange for using their network when they don't have to.

Yep, when you have to "roam" on to the Orange network things get patchy to say the least. My Bold always switches over in the local Morrisons for some reason and then croaks entirely.

Some of the newer Bold 9700s I've had tied to Orange will not roam back to Orange when used with a 3 sim, 3G works fine. I think there must be a setting I'm missing in the engineer screen.

Also, you must be aware that newer Orange handsets come with the dreaded UMA which can't be turned off easily.

Heretic_osjc

KingElvis wrote: »

Yep, when you have to "roam" on to the Orange network things get patchy to say the least. My Bold always switches over in the local Morrisons for some reason and then croaks entirely.

Some of the newer Bold 9700s I've had tied to Orange will not roam back to Orange when used with a 3 sim, 3G works fine. I think there must be a setting I'm missing in the engineer screen.

Also, you must be aware that newer Orange handsets come with the dreaded UMA which can't be turned off easily.

Whats UMA?

With regards to 3 and not picking up Orange from what I've heard on here and on the grapevine they are shutting off 2G access to customers in areas where they consider their 3G coverage good enough to not need it.

Which feedback on this site suggests otherwise.

KingElvis

UMA = Unlicensed Mobile Access.

This "technology" enables you to make calls through wi-fi networks when your signal is low. The quality of said calls in not the only shocking aspect of this feature, they still charge you for the data even if you're using your own Internet connection.

In short, it's rubbish.

Heretic_osjc

KingElvis wrote: »

UMA = Unlicensed Mobile Access.

This "technology" enables you to make calls through wi-fi networks when your signal is low. The quality of said calls in not the only shocking aspect of this feature, they still charge you for the data even if you're using your own Internet connection.

In short, it's rubbish.

Oh yeah heard of this didn't know it was called UMA.

This doesnt supprise me on the charges. Orange do tend to enjoy their data allowances and charges. lol

longwalks1

Cheers everyone

Whats 3 network like for internet, and also calls/texts? heard its very good for internet now (ebay/hotmail/banking etc), but wondered what its like in general? Want a BB for internet and not sure what model/network/package to go for?