Network Status Indicator shows SOS on the BlackBerry device

[BESadmin]

Network Status Indicator shows SOS on the BlackBerry device

Doc ID : KB03448
Last Modified : 2007-02-07
Document Type : Support


Environment

• BlackBerry® devices
• BlackBerry Device Software
• BlackBerry Desktop Software

Problem

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


Cause

Summary of Causes
The BlackBerry device is not functioning properly due to one of the following reasons:

1. The 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.

Cause 1
The SIM card is not properly inserted into the BlackBerry device.
Resolution

Check to make sure the SIM card is inserted properly.

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, 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 verify that the SIM card is damaged

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
Verify that oxidation has occurred and contact your service provider.
To determine if oxidation has occurred

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 for your SIM card.

Cause 5
You have roamed from your network to another network that does not support roaming. Therefore, you cannot access the wireless network.

Resolution
Change the state from SOS to GPRS on the BlackBerry device.

1. On the BlackBerry device Home screen, turn the radio off and on.
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, scan for available networks.
6. From the Home screen, click Options.
7. From the Options list, click Network.
8. Change the Network Selection Mode option to Manual.
9. Click Scan for Available Networks.
10. Select an available network.
11. 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.

1. From the BlackBerry device Home screen, click Options.
2. From the Options list, click Network.
3. Change the Network Selection Mode option to Automatic.
4. Click the Escape button, 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 preceding resolutions corrects the problem, contact your service provider.

[onepunjab]

i changed to edge its working fine from last few days ....i have blackberry 9780

[GaryCutri]

i changed to edge its working fine from last few days ....i have blackberry 9780

Hi,

Did you purchase the device from the carrier that provided the SIM card? The reason I ask it that different carriers sell different versions of the 9780 that support different frequencies.

Thanks,

Gary