Getting an unlocked (SIM-free) phone connected

[prepbgg]

I'm getting close to deciding to buy a SIM-free Hero to use PAYG on the 3 network. When I receive my SIM-free phone what exactly do I do to get it connected? I can see plenty of websites offering APN details and the Hero manual points me to where I need to go to create APN settings on the phone, but I realise that I may flounder when I need to decide exactly what I need to do and in what order. Does anyone know of an idiot's guide setting out the steps I need to take, please?

 

[samuelmaskell]

I'm pretty sure there's only one step. Put in the apn settings and you should be good to go..
What else would there be?

 

[prepbgg]

What else would there be?

I don't know. That's the point. The high-street shops say it's so complicated that they wouldn't be able to help. Some shops even say you can't do it. Some websites mention lots of settings such as: IP address, DNS address, authentication, etc, etc.

Is it in fact as simple as:
1. Buy the SIM
2. Top it up.
3. Get it authorised by the 3 Shop.
4. Put it in the phone.
5. Turn on the phone.
6. Go to Settings>Wireless controls> Mobile network settings> Access Point Names
7. Enter a name (Three UK, for example)
8. Enter 'three.co.uk' as the APN
9. Connect to the internet or make a call ?

Sorry if this is terrible naive. I'm new to all this.

 

[invinciblervd]

I am using an unlocked Hero on O2-UK and 3G services work fine for me.

Just do few things -

All Programs - SIM Toolkit - > Get Settings

Then go to mobile APN settings, you will see few APNs related to ur service provider.

Select them one by one and edit
Change the APN Type to default and save

Select the particular APN and try connecting. Do this till you get the right one

I did it the same way n worked..

Hope it helps

 

[prepbgg]

Is SIM Toolkit a program that's pre-installed on the phone?

 

[invinciblervd]

I am not sure but I know for sure that I haven't downloaded it from Market...

 

[prepbgg]

I've tried googling and SIM Toolkit seems to be something in Android that "appears" when some SIMs are installed but not when other SIMs are installed!

What does SIM Toolkit do? Does it perhaps enable the phone to interrogate the SIM to obtain certain information? What do I do if I put in a Three SIM and it doesn't appear?

I have no experience of smart phones. This is all very confusing for me.

 

[invinciblervd]

Ok..

But when you go in Mobile Netwok settings, do you see any details or APNs there ? which you may mark as default and start using it ?

 

[prepbgg]

I don't have a phone yet! I'm trying to be properly prepared so that I will know what to do when it arrives.

 

[MartinS]

I couldn't get the settings from SIM toolkit for some reason but entering the APN's took no time:

Follow this (ignore what the thread is called - it works fine!!!)

O2 Forum :: View topic - No 3G support for HTC HERO??!!!

 

[a_l_a_n]

I'm getting close to deciding to buy a SIM-free Hero to use PAYG on the 3 network. When I receive my SIM-free phone what exactly do I do to get it connected? I can see plenty of websites offering APN details and the Hero manual points me to where I need to go to create APN settings on the phone, but I realise that I may flounder when I need to decide exactly what I need to do and in what order. Does anyone know of an idiot's guide setting out the steps I need to take, please?

I may be your man. Have an unlocked hero (sending this message from it in fact using WiFi). Will be heading off to purchase a 3 sim later today. Will let you know how it goes tonight.

 

[prepbgg]

Thanks, Martin.

That'll be great Alan. If you could spell out for me exactly where the Three settings differ from the O2 settings given in Martin's link I should be very grateful.

 

[a_l_a_n]

Thanks, Martin.

That'll be great Alan. If you could spell out for me exactly where the Three settings differ from the O2 settings given in Martin's link I should be very grateful.

Hmm ... no luck so far http://androidforums.com/htc-hero/8421-3-sim-htc-hero-sim-no-service.html#post48026