I have been messing around with my new blackberry 7290 for 4 days (well, 2 different blackberries as i had to return the first one). this blackberry works - connects with the desktop manager - all the happy stuff. however - i cannot get service. period. the sim options say that the sim is disabled, the network is inactive, network subset is disabled, service provider is disabled. i paid for an MEP number, entered that as the PIN2 number and now it wants a PUK2 number. But it was supposed to be unlocked when i bought it - even so - i don't know why the number is not working if it was locked and if it isn't what the *&@$&! is going on???

You don't enter the mep unlock code into the pin2 number.

The phone is already unlocked if it says "network" "inactive."

there is an issue with the sim card or account. Does the sim card work in other phones?

yes - the sim card works in the old phone. i can't believe i have recieved two bad blackberries from these people... i think i want to jab a pen in my neck 6 times....

When you insert the sim (make sure you're inserting it correctly, BTW) what does the BB say at the top when you turn it on? Have you turned on the wireless radio, as well?

I was just going to ask if the SIM was in the right way....

when i put the sim card in, it boots up, verifies the security software (passes that test) and is just "there" (showing off at the signal thingy) until i turn the radio on and then it searches for a network for a bit and then comes back "no service"

the sim only fits in one way (with the angled top right)

it does ask me to verify the date and time also ;)

"No Service" means it's not picking up any signal at all. The BB is unlocked or it would say "invalid sim card." Go look under Options >Network and make sure it's in automatic. However, if the sim works in another phone but not the BB then you may very well have another defective device.

when i go into network, i only have data services (on) or network *none*... am i missing something?

That's all you can do. You don't have another Sim card you can try? Maybe a freinds TMo, by chance? Beyond that, I'd say you have a defective device.

Who is the SIM card from, Cingular?

thank you for spending the time with me - i appreciate your knowledge....

yes - the sim card is cingular