CL75 Siemens asking for MEP lock

zarbie

Virgin have sent me upgraded SIM for my pay as you go Siemens CL 75 flip phone.The existing SIM is Virgin.When I input the replacement SIM I am being shown error SIM MEP lock fail.Virgin insist the replacement SIM be used immediately as they will be disconnecting service to the existing SIM.Any help please ?

Farway

Have a read of this thread, you may need a new phone

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6183091/new-virgin-sim-not-valid-nokia-1100/p1

eDicky

I've no idea what MEP lock means but the underlying problem is undoubtedly that your old handset and the technology of the new Virgin SIM are not compatible.

If, as you say, it's not possible to continue using your old Virgin SIM, then the alternatives are probably to either buy a new phone in which to use the new SIM, or switch to another network whose SIM will work in your Siemens.

With the latter you may find that modern SIM cards issued by most networks will also not work in your handset, you can order free SIMs online to try first.

molerat

Googling suggests the phone is locked to the original provider - I wonder if this is linked to the EE/BT - Voda change, would be interesting to see what would happen with a BT/EE/Plusnet SIM.  It seems these replacement SIMs are causing problems on old phones so you either need to contact Virgin, if they are who actually supplied the phone, for a code or buy another phone.  Many available for under £30.

[Deleted User]

eDicky said:

I've no idea what MEP lock means but the underlying problem is undoubtedly that your old handset and the technology of the new Virgin SIM are not compatible.

If, as you say, it's not possible to continue using your old Virgin SIM, then the alternatives are probably to either buy a new phone in which to use the new SIM, or switch to another network whose SIM will work in your Siemens.

With the latter you may find that modern SIM cards issued by most networks will also not work in your handset, you can order free SIMs online to try first.

Undoubtedly.?! It's far more likely that it's locked to the EE/T-Mobile network code and the new sim cards use another network code.

eDicky

dahj said:

eDicky said:

I've no idea what MEP lock means but the underlying problem is undoubtedly that your old handset and the technology of the new Virgin SIM are not compatible.

If, as you say, it's not possible to continue using your old Virgin SIM, then the alternatives are probably to either buy a new phone in which to use the new SIM, or switch to another network whose SIM will work in your Siemens.

With the latter you may find that modern SIM cards issued by most networks will also not work in your handset, you can order free SIMs online to try first.

Undoubtedly.?! It's far more likely that it's locked to the EE/T-Mobile network code and the new sim cards use another network code.

No doubt my 'undoubtedly' is a little doubtful, I also began feeling dubious...

Your theory is quite possible, the new SIMs are apparently for use on the network Virgin are moving to from EE. 

MEP could mean 'Mobile Equipment Provider', ie the network lock. We would need to hear from OP about the phone's history.

d123

MEP code (iirc) is Mobile Equipment Personalisation, an older name for the sim lock code on the phone, and is more commonly called a NUC (Network Unlock Code) these days.

The Siemens would need unlocking to use a different network (or network code). 

OP, if Virgin originally supplied the phone ask them for the NUC or unlocking code for the handset.

pumas

I've come to the conclusion that, the various lock problems arose on phones bought not through Virgin, e.g. Argos and are locked to EE and nothing to do with the age/model of phone.
I was able to use a Virgin phone to ring 789, otherwise use 03456000789, chargeable, 9 to 6.
2 of 3 phones(same mode), where I got keys/codes from ringing 789 worked.
3rd phone after 3 hours spent messaging and 4 codes later is still locked.
My 15+ year old phone worked with the new Sim, although it displays 'one 2 one' (no idea)
Maybe getting a 50p sim card from a different provider and getting an Unlock code from Virgin would work.

Neil_Jones

One 2 One was the legacy Mercury Communications company (also known temporarily as Cable & Wireless) mobile service.  It was the previous name of T-Mobile, until they got bought out in the early 2000's and became part of Orange who ultimately became part of EE.

Mercury Communications's lasting legacy is what is now Virgin Media.