SIM/USIM cannot be detected or is invalid

[GKaggel]

Hi All

I bought a pre-paid mtn sim card, loaded 500mb of data and inserted it into my e220 usb modem. But when I load the fastlink software, it says "SIM/USIM is invalid or cannot be detected"? Can anyone provide advice on why this is happening? I have to insert my sim into my nokia cellphone to get onto the internet..

Thanks!

 

[ginggs]

I bought a pre-paid mtn sim card, loaded 500mb of data and inserted it into my e220 usb modem. But when I load the fastlink software, it says "SIM/USIM is invalid or cannot be detected"?

Did or does the modem work with another SIM card?
Is the E220 branded, MTN, Vodacom, etc.? What firmware revision does the modem have?

 

[GKaggel]

Hi ginggs!

It is an mtn branded modem, but the firmware on it has never been updated. Yes, it recently worked with another sim card. I don't think the problem lies with the modem, because I get exactly the same error when I put the sim into my Vodacom B970 router. Also, the sim works fine, because it works when I put it into my nokia e52 and connect to the internet that way. I'm sure a firmware update will solve this problem! Do you know where I can find the latest update? It's the E220 usb dongle...

 

[Jola]

I had a problem like this yesterday which went away after I cleaned the sim contacts with meths - no harm in trying !

 

[ginggs]

It is an mtn branded modem, but the firmware on it has never been updated. Yes, it recently worked with another sim card. I don't think the problem lies with the modem, because I get exactly the same error when I put the sim into my Vodacom B970 router.

That fact that it doesn't work in two different devices makes me suspect the SIM card.

I had a problem like this yesterday which went away after I cleaned the sim contacts with meths - no harm in trying !

Try this, and if that fails take it back to MTN, it could be a flaky SIM, or a new batch from a different manufacturer or something.

I'm sure a firmware update will solve this problem! Do you know where I can find the latest update? It's the E220 usb dongle...

I wouldn't mess with a firmware update. A couple of years ago there was a problem with MTN SIM cards not containing a certain file which upset the modems. The E220 firmware on the MTN modems worked around this problem and you probably already have it, it being an MTN branded modem.

 

[GKaggel]

Thanks ginggs, looks like the best option would be to take it to mtn and ask them what the problem is.

Cheers!