Change the network partner in Iraq.

[Jimm_y845]

I'm over in Iraq and my phone automatically connects to Asia cell, I need to change this to Zain as Asia cell has no network coverage in my current location. I have attempted to change it in the settings, but have had no luck.

Is it possible to do this?, I can change it elsewhere in world, or am I missing some settings ? If so where do I get the main settings from ?

[Jimm_y845]

*Zain settings. (Autocorrect doing me no favours)

[Cleoriff]

@Jimm_y845 

If you are unable to manually change the network then you are out of luck I'm afraid. Probably your best bet is to buy a local sim?

Are there any Wifi shops, bars etc where you are? If so use that and see if it helps. You could communicate via messenger or Skype.

[Jimm_y845]

Thanks for the reply, I'm on wifi and have a local sim card in The issue is getting messages through on my UK sim card.

So is it not possible to change my preferred network ? Are O2 only partnered with Asia cell.

[Cleoriff]

@Jimm_y845 

I'm not sure if honest. I could ask our account advisors @O2Lisa or @O2Waqas  if they can help here. One should come to the thread as soon as they are free.

[MI5]

@Jimm_y845 

Does nothing else come up when you select "manual" in network settings?

[Cleoriff]

@Jimm_y845 

These are the mobile networks in Iraq. Zain Iraq, Asiacell and Korek Telecom.  According to this report there is some 4G in the Kurdish region  but mainly 3G elsewhere.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/05/25/2038165/0/en/Mobile-operators-would-benefit-fr... 

You may want to switch your phone to 3G to see if that helps?

[O2Waqas]

@Cleoriff Thank you for the tag

@Jimm_y845 I will send you a private message so we can look into this further. In the meantime, you can try changing your network mode to 2g/3g only and 2g only if its a option. Once you have done this try to select the other network manually again

Thanks 

Waqas

[Jimm_y845]

So the best option for me is Zain IQ, I know it has a reliable network in this area. Yet, when I try and change to this network it says it's unavailable. Is this a settings thing or an O2 issue ?

It surely cannot be a settings issue as I have a dual sim phone and my other sim is Zain IQ.

[Cleoriff]

Thanks @O2Waqas 

@Jimm_y845  look out for a private message from @O2Waqas . It will be on this page, top right hand corner