PAYG SIM for Nokia 3310e - doesn't work

[1anson]

My interest in the Nokia 3310 was rekindled after the release of the new model. I have an original 3310e phone which I dusted off.  I ordered an O2 PAYG SIM card, as it was advertised as working with ANY phone.  It doesn't work with the 3310e; it seems to go through a self-test, then switches off the phone after 5 seconds.  Other SIM cards are rejected by the phone but it doesn't switch off afterwards.  The SIM is OK as it does work with the Nokia 6210 and 6310i.  Is there a 'fix' for this, or should I just retire it?

[liggerz87]

It could be that the SIM not registered first so is not working as it can take a while for new Sims to register once you know the SIM is working you could try again I have 5 Nokia 3310 and2 3410 and they work also have a nokia 6130 that's works need new battery and a nokia 6180 that works aswel

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

It should work assuming it's an O2 phone or unlocked, so sounds faulty.
You could check the SIM tray and contacts are clean but otherwise probably not worth spending too much time on.

[EmilieT]

Hi @1anson, did any of the suggestions above help? You seem to have a nice Nokia collection, do you have any other models than the 3310, 6210 and 6310i?

[1anson]

Thank you, I've had the phone so long, I thought it was unlocked but you've probably hit on the problem.  I'll get an unlock code online from Orange. Thanks again!

[1anson]

Hi EmilieT, yes I have an nk402 and an nk702 but for a bit of history, I also have a Nokia 101, it gives 'substantial' a new meaning.  Moving away from Nokia I have a Sony CM-H333 which is better known as the 'Mars Bar' as it was about the same dimensions as a Mars Bar (at that time).  I still have these old phones because I have a large loft and an understanding wife.  Thanks to everyone who has tried to help with my problem. Regards, 1anson

[MI5]

Let us know how it goes...

[1anson]

Hi EmilieT just a quick update.  Well, first the 3310 is an Orange phone.  I am the original owner and the contract was in my name, so EE online said it could unlock the phone with that info.  I duly completed the online boxes only to be told that it didn't recognise the mobile number and would I give them the IMEI.  I did this from the original box label as well as from the phone's onboard info, however, it came back as a 6650 phone.  I thought IMEI's were not recycled unlike phone numbers.  I don't know what's happened but have a suspicion that maybe my SIM problem relates to the IMEI which seems to no longer relate to my phone.  An interesting exercise but it's left more questions than answers.  Again thank for your help.  Regards 1anson

[Anonymous]

@1anson

Might be worthwhile taking it into an EE shop and see what they say.

As far as I understand it too, IMEIs are unique so that sounds like a programming mistake.

As you seem to be a collector you'll know the phones division was sold by Nokia Corporation to Microsoft and then bought back by a company formed by ex Nokia phone division execs called HMD global who now licence the Nokia name to market phones.

You could try contacting them http://www.hmdglobal.com/contact/

[1anson]

I managed to get an unlock code for the 3310e but when I ran it, it came back with a message, Not Restricted; so it looks like my 3310e is broken and is now just a piece of retro art. Thank you for all your help and advice in try to sort this. Regards 1anson