Reply With QuoteThat’s awesome. Would you happen to know how to unlock a Nokia 2190E? I used to remember how to do it, but forgot years ago.
Thanks in advance!
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Pro
Some Nokia 2190e good-ness
Should have posted this up years ago but it's still pretty cool to this day... also not sure why the pic is uploading sideways...
Phone fan
That’s awesome. Would you happen to know how to unlock a Nokia 2190E? I used to remember how to do it, but forgot years ago.
Thanks in advance!
Super Moderator
Even if you can unlock it, no US carrier will allow you to use it. This phone was released in 1997and does support 1900 mhz GSM but no other cellular frequency. This was one of the first phones that supported a SIM and was not an analog phone. I don't think it was a 3G phone based on my experience as a CS rep from 2001. I strongly suggest not buying it unless you happen to be a collector as it won't work as a phone today. Unlocking would be next to impossible today for a phone that old.
Just another day in paradise.....
Phone fan
Shortly after I posted my message, I went through my old archives in a Windows 98 PC I have stored and I found this Nokia unlock generator for DOS called NSL.exe. That did get the job done as it gave me a valid unlock code for my 2190E. That program should successfully unlock all DCT-1 Nokia phones such as the 2190E. I remember using a previous 2190E phone with service back in 2013-2014 with Lycamobile (T-Mobile MVNO). But my curiosity is really tempting me to buy their SIM card and test this phone again for service today. I have the SIM card ordered and I’ll update if it still works or not.Originally Posted by Serial Port
Go Sun Devils!
Actually, I have one here, and it will still work on T-Mobile's GSM network (as does my Motorola Select 2000e)
My current T-Mobile SIM does not work in the 2190 though, it just cannot read it (but it works in the Select 2000e)
They're both of course as you mentioned limited to 1900MHz GSM only, but they're fun to use in public at times.
T-Mobile: Magenta Amplified
Phone fan
I got the Lycamobile SIM Card yesterday and had it activated with service and the Nokia 2190E works great on it. However, it does get a weak signal due to the state of the GSM 1900mhz signal getting weaker over time. I’ll have to travel with this phone in bigger cities around LA and see if I get a better signal there.
Here is a photo from today of the Nokia 2190E with service, along with my rainbow StarTac 7000g:
https://imgur.com/a/vqPATjf
Go Sun Devils!
oooh, new LycaMobile SIM's still have 2G provisioning? the one I got last year would not work... I'll order one today so I can fire up the 2190!
Phone fan
Yeah, I was very surprised. I would expect their SIMs to be updated enough for the 2190 to not like it, but I was surprised to see that it works. Try to get the SIM card activated with service with a modern phone and then switch it over to the 2190. ThatÂ’s how I did it.
Go Sun Devils!
It's odd, as i've got an old Gold Rewards SIM here, it works fine in my Motorola Select 2000e from the same time period, my 8390, v60, and any other GSM phone i've thrown it in, but will not work in the 2190.. it's crazy.
Phone fan
Ah thereÂ’s your problem. YouÂ’re using a T-Mobile SIM card. It will not work in a Nokia 2190. For some reason, the SIM card slot on the 2190 rejects most modern SIM cards thrown into it, even ones after 2005 or so. The only modern USA SIM cards known to work on the 2190 are Lycamobile SIM cards.
Go Sun Devils!
Yeah, i was just surprised it did not work, but a phone that's of the same era did... i've got a Lycamobile SIM on the way though.
Go Sun Devils!
Update: The SIM was waiting on me when I got back from my work trip, and I actually activated it in the 2190.. works like a champ.
Bookmarks