No service after IMEI unblocking

ice2kewl

Hi all!

I have a HTC Hero which was factory unlocked. Gave it to the Mrs and she lost it. I got Three to block the phone using the IMEI number. After a while, the phone was retrieved, so I got Three to unblock the phone. However, only a Three sim works in the phone now. All other sims give a "No Service" message. I've spoken to Three and they say that is how it's going to be.

So the question is, is it REALLY going to be like that or are Three being a pain in the backside about it? What can I do??

Thanks

grumbler

ice2kewl wrote: »

All other sims give a "No Service" message.

I guess it means that the phone is locked to '3'.

I've spoken to Three and they say that is how it's going to be.

So the question is, is it REALLY going to be like that or are Three being a pain in the backside about it?

I am pretty sure it is the latter.

ice2kewl

grumbler wrote: »

I guess it means that the phone is locked to '3'.
I am pretty sure it is the latter.

Yes it has become locked to 3. However, whenever you insert an incompatible sim into a locked phone, you get the option to enter an unlock code to unlock the phone. My phone doesn't even give that option. It just says No Service. Perhaps I should go to a 3 store.

grumbler

I think not all phones can be unlocked by a code.

Rusty!

It could well be that the request to unlock block the IMEI hasn't filtered through to other networks yet. When was it done?

ice2kewl

grumbler wrote: »

I think not all phones can be unlocked by a code.

Maybe so... especially one that came factory unlocked! Which is why I think 3 should truly unblock the phone as it was prior to their blocking.

ice2kewl

Rusty! wrote: »

It could well be that the request to unlock block the IMEI hasn't filtered through to other networks yet. When was it done?

Was done ages ago. Maybe around 9 months ago...

Notmyrealname

ice2kewl wrote: »

Hi all!

I have a HTC Hero which was factory unlocked. Gave it to the Mrs and she lost it. I got Three to block the phone using the IMEI number. After a while, the phone was retrieved, so I got Three to unblock the phone. However, only a Three sim works in the phone now. All other sims give a "No Service" message. I've spoken to Three and they say that is how it's going to be.

So the question is, is it REALLY going to be like that or are Three being a pain in the backside about it? What can I do??

Thanks

If the IMEI is blocked because you reported the phone lost or stolen thats usually it. The blocked IMEI number gets listed on a central database all mobile phone networks have access to. Three are allowing it on because they've manually overridden the IMEI block on their network. They may have updated the central database but they have no legal requirement to and the mobile phone networks have no legal requirement to unblock a previously blocked IMEI number.

In short, blocking an IMEI number turns a mobile phone into an unusable doorstop without resorting to completely illegal methods.

Buzby

The IMEI database is hosted in Dublin by the GSM Association. As noted, the 'home' network and lift any block immediately, whilst other networks have to await the updating of the master database. From what you describe, I would be surprised if 3UK could how somehow lock the handset to them, as this is a different function.

In your situation, if an alternative SIM shows no service (but NOT a BLOCKED or security message), raise this with the network of the SIM, to seek clarification. If they confirm the IMEI is still listed as blocked, then you can go back to 3 to insist they remove the block entirely.

ice2kewl

Spoke to 3 again. They maintain the phone is "truly" unblocked, and that they can't help any further since the handset was not provided by 3. So I took the phone to CEX today to try and trade it in. They tested the phone and said the phone is blocked. Damn thing.

ilikewatch

It certainly sounds to me like the phone is still blocked centrally, in your position I would either:

a)Spend £1.99 on a checkmend report - if this comes back stating that the phone is blocked then go back to 3 with the evidence.

or

b)Sell it on eBay to someone outside the UK where it will still work ok.