vB Easy Archive - Newbie question

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Newbie question
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Posted by: Rekusu

Hi there,

First time posting to this forum. Think my question should be addressed to the Nokia FAQ but access is denied!

I have just acquired my first mobile phone, a 6030, pay as you go deal. It is apparently unlocked and currently has an O2 sim installed. I want to change to Virgin as the rates are cheaper.

However, I have been told that some of the functions of the phone/Virgin may not work. I was under the impression that when a phone is unlocked, one could install any SIM and everything should be hunky dory? Am I mistaken?

The only functions that I want are to make and receive phone calls, send and receive a few text and collect voice messages. I have no interest in all the other net based stuff.

Grateful for any advice as I would like to change the SIM.

Many thanks in advance,

Rex

Posted by: TriBand81

You should be able to use all of the functions of the phone without any problems once it's unlocked. Have you tried to insert a Virgin SIM?

Posted by: Kuroyume

Your phone, even if it is unlocked, is probably branded, wich means that some functions are redirected to your provider services. A tipical example of this is WAP... wich means that you won't be able to use these services on your new provider unless you have your phone flashed to unbranded firmware...

Howevwe, for calling/SMS you should have no problem.

Posted by: Rekusu

Many thanks for the replies.

I have not tried a Virgin SIM because I don't know anyone who has one and I am not prepared to buy one just to find out if the functions I want work.

Kuroyume, I'm not sure that I understand what you mean by 'branded.' WAP not working is just fine by me; I have a computer for internet activities. I only want to make and receive calls, create and receive the occasional text message and collect anything on Voice mail (Virgin is free, O2 charges.)

Guess I will have to find a Virgin SIM and stick it in.

Rex

Posted by: Kuroyume

branding can be anything from a housing that has the nme of your provider in it to special firmware with certain services locked so that you can only use them in that provider, for example wap or MMS...

if you don't care about that, then you are ok...

i don't know if voice mail can be locked to work on only one provider, but i suspect not... so you are most likely ok...

Posted by: Rekusu

Thanks for your explanation. I guess my phone is branded as although it is a Nokia, it is only on sale from one main network; O2.

This is all new to me and frankly, I find it outrageous. Would you buy a car that could only use Shell petrol? Probably not; so why do Nokia (or other phone manufacturers) design, make and sell a phone that can only be used on one network?

Again, many thanks,

Rex

Posted by: TriBand81

Very simple, the SIM and browser locks are instituted mainly by the provider who want to limit their users to their network and their services. The firmware and external physical branding are the only components provided by the phone manufacturer.