MTN remove dual sim functionality on phones

[ginggs]

I don't think so. As in, the first SIM slot can use a Vodacom/MTN/whatever card. Afaik it's only FNB that has network-locked phones in recent memory.

They do, however, remove the second SIM functionality from the version of the OS they load on some phones.

The first SIM slot often is 3G or LTE capable, while the second slots is 2G-only. so there is an advantage to them network-locking the first slot.

Here's MTN doing it:
https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/492496-Network-Locked-Phone

...and here's Cell-C doing it too:
https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/681238-Cell-C-network-locking

 

[aadili]

The first SIM slot often is 3G or LTE capable, while the second slots is 2G-only. so there is an advantage to them network-locking the first slot.

Here's MTN doing it:
https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/492496-Network-Locked-Phone

...and here's Cell-C doing it too:
https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/681238-Cell-C-network-locking

actually on the newer phones its not the physical slots that restrict the 3g/4g capability, its controlled on the phone OS.

 

[Craig_]

@aadili and @Cr419

This is the general guide I used, among others: http://forum.xda-developers.com/p8lite/general/mega-thread-root-unbricking-updating-t3400994

1. You need your serial number and IMEI.
2. Use this to get your product ID: *#*#1357946#*#* .
3. Go here to get your unlock code: https://www.emui.com/plugin.php?id=unlock&mod=detail
4. Unlock bootloader with:
-adb reboot bootloader
-fastboot oem unlock xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
-fastboot oem get-bootinfo
-fastboot reboot
5. Now convert to European dual-sim B052 ROM:
-Download the unbricking package from the thread above.
-fastboot flash boot boot.img
-fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
-fastboot flash cust cust.img
-fastboot flash system system.img
-fastboot reboot
6. But that may give you the 'Balong bug':
-Get the vendor file from the thread above: Vendor_P8_Lite_Ale_l21-Dual.rar
-Put the dload folder on an sdcard and into the phone.
-Go to "Settings -> Update".
-Press the menu (at the bottom you will see 3 lines, that's the menu).
-Choose "Local update".
-Select "UPDATE.APP".
-Press "Install".
-This reboots and reset the whole phone, but the Balong is gone.
7. Now you're on B052.
8. Install B170 from 'Huawei_P8_Lite_ALE-L21_V100R001C432B170_Europe.zip'.
Unzip it, copy the dload folder to an sdcard and do a local update.
9. Install B560 from 'Huawei_P8 Lite_Firmware_ALE-L21_Andriod 6.0_EMUI4.0_C432B560_Poland_Channel-Others.zip'
-Unzip it, copy the dload folder to an sdcard and do a local update.
10. But now the local update command is gone. So this code gives the sdcard update option: *#*#2846579#*#*
-Put the full 564 on the sdcard in dload.
-Run the code, install B564.
-Factory reset!
11. Receive B574 OTA. Who knew? Or use the same method as B564.
12. Installed B584 from zip using the same method as B564.

Oh, and YMMV and your own risk.

Wow, there is no way that I'm tech savvy enough to do all of that sadly.

 

[NormanN]

It depends on the handset. Some are released in dual- and single-sim hardware variants. Others are just different software versions on the same hardware.

For example, a P8 Lite from Vodacom and MTN has an OS version with the second SIM disabled. Cell C and Telkom sell the same phone with the second sim enabled. It's the same hardware. You can flash a different OS onto the MTN/Vodacom phone and use the second SIM slot. That's what I did.

They do it to protect revenue. They don't want you to be able to use data/minutes/etc from other providers on that handset. For example, I run Afrihost data on a second sim on a "Vodacom phone".

Hi. Can you please explain how you did it?

 

[marioat1]

Hi. Can you please explain how you did it?

Read post #23

 

[azaza]

Hi, kindly please help me on how to enable the second sim, I am currently stuck