HTC Kaiser phone blocked by 02 and won't take my GiffGaff sim

[Anonymous]

My HTC phone will accept any other network sim other than 02. I am aware that the previous 02 number was blocked, but I need the phone to use my new GiffGaff sim.

[jonsie]

Are you saying that O2 have blocked the phone?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have been informed by my local 02 shop that 02 have put a block on my phone's access to their network. I know that GiffGaff use the 02 network. The HTC phone will find any other network but will not connest to 02.

[Anonymous]

If I put a different network sim in the phone it works fine, but it will not accept my GiffGaff sim. Please help.

[jonsie]

Normally they would only block the IMEI if the phone's been reported stolen, an unpaid bill or due to fraudulent activity. Have you always had the phone or just bought it?

[Anonymous]

I was given the phone. I was told that the previous owner was blocked by 02, though I cannot say why. As the phone is new to me, am I stuck with the sins of the previous owner or can the phone be unblocked by 02 now that it uses a new GiffGaff sim that requires access to 02's network?

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

It's very unlikely that O2 will unblock the phone. Your obvious choices are your local independent store/market stall for unblocking or changing networks.

[Anonymous]

It does seem ridiculous to block the phone, rather than the number...doesn't it? Surely a new sim that uses 02 network should not be restricted.

[Anonymous]

Thank you jonsie. I find it utterly laughable that 02 would curse a phone, rather than block a sim/number. How on earth can a phone be held responsible for the user's actions?

[jonsie]

Not knowing the circumstances it's difficult to comment but the chances of getting the phone unblocked by legal means seem remote to impossible. You could try writing to O2 but they wouldn't necessarily have any sympathy that the phone has been passed on to you.