why does my unlocked phone not work?

[pinkzena]

I have bought a VM 800 ALcatel, i had it unlocked and it was only when i had paid him he asked what network i was on and said it might not work as i am on 3, it did work for a few months but now wont let me do anything as it says 'emergancy' at the bottom of the screen
any help?
many thanks

[katiecarol]

i dont have a firm answer but as i understand it from using 3 in the past that not all phones can be used with 3. apparentley the system that 3 use (the name escapes me) is different and not compatable, your phone needs to be compatible, you should have been asked before it was done as most do. if i remember the 'thing' your phone has to be to be compatable i'll get back to this post.

[katiecarol]

just asked my sis for confirmation, the phone has to be '3G compatable' for a 3 sim to work in it, unlocked or not if it isnt it won't work.

[pinkzena]

but the thing i dont get is why it worked for a long time very well and then stopped :/
thanks anyway :)

[pinkzena]

How do you know if its 3g compatable?

[katiecarol]

just ask either a place like carphone warehouse, phones for you or the store you got it from. wouldn't be sure where to look but i assume it's in your phones manual if you have it. why it worked for so long i dont know but could it be an unconnected problem? i had a phone that was in my bag but it got water damage in it due to a downpour and my bag getting wet! extreme i know but check your battery for this. by the gold connection points there should be a little strip of yellow (pretty sure yellow) but if it's red then that does mean water damage. i found that out the hard way.

[stoofur]

You could also google the phone:-
http://www.mobilechoi...edia+VM800+review/792

According to this website it is not a 3g handset.

Not sure why it may have worked for a while and then not though. Whatabout calling 3 Mobile and asking them?