[SuperSpirit]

So I got a Blackberry Torch (9800) from my grandpa (he found it in a trailer home). The only thing wrong with it is the broken charger port ( I charge the battery directly with wire) and the fact that when I put my AT&T SIM card in it displays SOS where the service bars should be. In the settings it says that the phone is in emergency only mode.

I can't make any calls, I can't send text messages, however I can open and use apps like Facebook using my home wifi. I am not sure what the issue is. I looked at the IT Policy and it didn't say anything was blocked (might have missed something, im not BlackBerry fancy).

Any ideas on what the issue might be?

[tsac]

All Blackberry phones require a specific Blackberry service plan including a Blackberry data plan to work. The SOS is because the carrier does not recognize the phone or the phone is defective.
The other reason is it was not on a GSM / CDMA .network etc. and the radio inside is not compatible with ATT network.

read this link

KB03448-Network status indicator shows "SOS" on the BlackBerry smartphone

[SuperSpirit]

So, basically I can't access the cell service as long as I am on a no-data plan. My current plan is an unlimited call and text plan with no data. I know I can use an android, why is a BlackBerry the exception? I looked at an article that said that it only effects the BBM and other Blackberry apps, not the calling and sms messages. Some guy's co-worker used it as so.

[knottyrope]

which model of the 9800 do you have?

Some wont work to make call s unless unlocked on a different carrier

[SuperSpirit]

I wasn't aware there were different models. I am not sure.

[tsac]

If you have a model that uses the type of service that most have it will require a blackberry data plan. It's best to check with the carrier to see requirements.

the Blackberry phones are more secure than all other phones and in todays world security is something needed.
As for the model you have, go to blackberry.com and check the models and it will help you determine the model.

You can pull the battery to see the version also