Sos

[kevinMcM]

I have a blackberry 8100.
Regularly I lock the keyboard (holding down the * key) then put the device in my pocket. When I pull it out the SOS function has been activated and the only way to clear is to take out the battery & leave off for about 10 minutes.
Any ideas?

[GaryCutri]

In almost every occasion that I have seen this issue it is caused by the SIM card not being locked in correctly or the device’s security PIN is causing the issue. If you have a SIM PIN you can disable it as a test by going to OPTIONS > Advanced Options > SIM Card > Press the menu button and select “Disable Security” > Exit and Save.

[BESadmin]

Network status indicator shows SOS on the BlackBerry device

Doc ID : KB03448
Last Modified : 2007-05-01
Document Type : Support

Environment

• BlackBerry® devices
• BlackBerry Device Software

Problem

The network status indicator on the Home screen of the BlackBerry device displays SOS. The SOS network status indicator means that you can only place emergency calls. Messages cannot be sent or received, and phone calls cannot be made or received.

Cause

This issue may be caused by one of the following:

1. The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is not properly inserted into the BlackBerry device.
2. The SIM card is scratched or damaged.
3. The SIM card contacts are oxidized.
4. Your service has been disconnected by the service provider.
5. The network does not support roaming.
6. The network selection mode is set to manual and no network is selected.
7. The BlackBerry device requires the latest software from the service provider.

Resolution

Refer to the appropriate resolution for your cause.

Cause 1

The SIM card is not properly inserted into the BlackBerry device.

Resolution

Check to make sure the SIM card is inserted properly. To perform this, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery and SIM card from the BlackBerry device. For instructions on how to remove the SIM card, see the Getting Started Quick Reference Card.
2. Insert the SIM card so that it fits properly into the BlackBerry device, and then insert the battery.
3. If there are SIM card errors after the BlackBerry device initializes, contact your service provider.

Cause 2

The SIM card is scratched or damaged.

Resolution

Check the SIM card for damage, then contact your service provider. To check the SIM card for damage, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery and SIM card from the BlackBerry device. For instructions on how to remove the SIM card, see the Getting Started Quick Reference Card.
2. Check the SIM card for scratches or other visible damage.
3. If possible, determine if the SIM card works in another BlackBerry device.

Cause 3

The SIM card contacts are oxidized. If the SIM card has been removed from a BlackBerry device and exposed to air for an extended period, oxidation can occur on the SIM card contacts. Oxidation can render the SIM card unusable, or cause unpredictable electronic behavior.

Resolution

Check if oxidation has occurred and contact your service provider. To determine if oxidation has occurred, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery and SIM card from the BlackBerry device. For instructions on how to remove the SIM card, see the Getting Started Quick Reference Card.
2. Check the SIM card for discoloration or visible damage.

Cause 4

Your service has been disconnected by your service provider.

Resolution

Contact your service provider to make sure that the service on your BlackBerry device is active.

Cause 5

You have roamed to a network that does not support roaming.

Resolution

Change the state from SOS to GPRS on the BlackBerry device. To perform this, follow these steps:

1. On the BlackBerry device Home screen, disconnect the BlackBerry device from the wireless network and then reconnect.
2. Verify that the SOS status has changed to GPRS.
3. If the status has not changed to GPRS, reset your BlackBerry device. For instructions, see KB02141.
4. Verify that the SOS symbol has changed to GPRS.
5. If the status still displays SOS and not GPRS, from the Home screen, select Options.
6. From the Options list, select Network.
7. Change the Network Selection Mode option to Manual.
8. Select Scan for Available Networks.
9. Select an available network. If no network is available, contact your service provider.

Cause 6

The network selection mode is set to manual and no network is selected.

Resolution

Change the network selection mode to automatic on the BlackBerry device. To perform this, follow these steps:

1. From the BlackBerry device Home screen, select Options.
2. From the Options list, select Network.
3. Change the Network Selection Mode option to Automatic.
4. Press Escape, then click Save.

Cause 7

The BlackBerry device requires the latest software from the service provider.

Resolution

Upgrade the BlackBerry Device Software to the latest version available from your service provider. For instructions, see KB03901.

Additional Information

If none of the above resolutions correct the problem, contact your service provider.

[kevinMcM]

Thanks for the replies. Security is already disabled. I have noticed that the catch for the SIM card is not partiocularly robust, so maybe that is the problem.