Is my Samsung S3 mini network locked to Vodacom?

[HideInLight]

If I insert either CellC or MTN it says it cannot register on network, I also cannot do USSD commands.
GT-18200

Just did a factory reset, and didn't work, it's Vodacom branded on the startup and I bought it secondhand.

 

[maumau]

As far as I know it's illegal to network block phones in SA.

Was the phone bought in SA?

 

[HideInLight]

As far as I know it's illegal to network block phones in SA.

Was the phone bought in SA?

That's what I'm trying to find out now, I think the person I bought it form might of just recently moved to SA.
What I've figured out thus far is if you dial this on phone you suppose to get information that can determine from which country phone is from. Just need to figure out what to do with it.

*#1234#

AP: i8200XXUANJ1
CP: i8200XXUANI3
CSC: i82000JVANJ1

edit:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I8200/

2014-10-30
South Africa
4.2.2
I8200XXUANI3
I8200OJVANI2
YES
2014-10-30
South Africa
4.2.2
I8200XXUANF2
I8200OJVANF1
NO
2014-10-23
South Africa (Vodafone)
4.2.2
I8200XXUANJ1
I8200OJVANJ1

 

[shabbarkhan786]

could be blacklisted by those network providers ?

does it work fine with vodacom ?

 

[HideInLight]

could be blacklisted by those network providers ?

does it work fine with vodacom ?

Vodacom the only one that works.
That and CellC 3G network for a small while. before switching over to edge.

MTN
Mobile Networks -> Network Operators
"Error while searching for networks"
USSD commands work.

CellC
Mobile Networks -> Network Operators
Finds the operators
"Fail to register on network" when I select CellC
USSD commands work.

Vodacom
No issues.

PS. Those sims work fine on the pocket.

 

[HideInLight]

IMEI checks out, matches the label behind the battery, has the Icasa approved sign too.

 

[rorz0r]

Contact vodacom. Probably blacklisted for non payment or something.

 

[HideInLight]

Contact vodacom. Probably blacklisted for non payment or something.

Still have a Vodacom rep here?
Wouldn't make sense though, since it's Vodacom branded and that the only one that works.

I have stumbled onto a trend though, with all my googling.
Apparently people are selling the phones secondhand, blacklisting them shortly after the sale, reporting them stolen then cashing out from the insurance.

 

[rorz0r]

True. Very odd then...

 

[maumau]

I bought a tablet from Vodacom, put an MTN SIM in it and it works like a charm.

 

[Rickster]

Maybe network searching is set to manual.

 

[HideInLight]

Maybe network searching is set to manual.

I tried just about everything, when a MTN card is in, you cannot even search for a network, automatic doesn't work, nothing.
Even went as far as a factory reset.

 

[maumau]

Silly question bit does the MTN SIM work in another device?

 

[HideInLight]

Silly question bit does the MTN SIM work in another device?

Yes, it works both in my pocket and a crappy phone I shall not name, because I feel ashamed in owning one. (Starts with an A)

 

[HideInLight]

Gonna need some assistance from a Vodacom rep on this one.

Cell c just confirmed it's blacklisted by Vodacom.

I want to find out the exact reason for the black list though.

 

[JimM]

If you say that it's blacklisted by Vodacom, it's most odd that it seems to work on net with them...

It's also odd that Cell C can tell you who blacklisted the handset as this information is not usually to be found on the CER.

PM me the IMEI and let me check from here...

I have had MTN SIM's give problems in Samsung S2 and S3 handsets and only a SIM swap has fixed the issue.

 

[MR.C]

Probably blacklisted, done by MTN and done by Cell-c.
Voda didn't yet process the blacklisting.

 

[JimM]

Probably blacklisted, done by MTN and done by Cell-c.
Voda didn't yet process the blacklisting.

If it's done by one network and it's in the CER then it'll be automatically blacklisted on all networks...

Re-read the original post...

Works on Vodacom
Only works on EDGE with Cell C (probably a coverage issue)
MTN not working...

See why I'm not convinced it's blacklisted?

 

[HideInLight]

JimM, pm sent.

Went to a vodashop and they couldn't help me. Apparenty I need I to know the number of the original sim number that was in it...

I think it's kinda dumb that I have no power myself to check if a cellphone is stolen or not.

The secondhand market seems to be open for abuse, when you think of it.

 

[JimM]

Sadly as stated it is blacklisted... I was hoping this wasn't the case!

Second hand phones from dealers have to be held in stock for 7 days before resale and this usually ensures suspect phones don't enter the system. Plus a dealer will have a copy of the original ID document of the seller...

Even as a private buyer, trading with another private seller I'd recommend a copy of the sellers ID. By law you're entitled to ask for this!