[RobertS]

I've recently switched from a GPRS/Edge BB (8820) to the new 3G BB Bold 9000. The device works flawlessly on my home network (KPN Mobile in the Netherlands) and any other GSM/GPRS/EDGE/3G network across Europe. I have a global roaming subscription with my home carrier and use BB BES. The device supports all US based GSM networks (AT&T Wireless, T Mobile)
However, upon arrival in the US (East Coast, West Coast, Mid West) the device will not register with any US wireless network. Ive tried automatic network selection, manual, 2G&3G, 2G and 3G only all to no avail. The device searches for networks, briefly (2-3 secs) indicates connection (showing vertical bars next to antenna sign in screen) and then shows SOS only in red next to antenna sign. My firmware version is up to date (v4.6.0.92). AT&T tells me that the BB Bold is not yet supported on their network, but yet also tells me that AT&T customers with SIM unlocked Bold (i.e. from Rogers in Canada, etc.) can/are using the Bold on the AT&T network. My own carrier KPN Mobile in the Netherlands has no clue.
Can anyone help me on what the problem is?

[Klotar]

When you are at home, can you make international calls?

This may be far-fetched; but on Rogers, by default, all customers are restricted from making international (overseas) calls unless the restriction is lifted, which they will do after 6 months on request.

It may be that your carrier has something similar, where the SIM card is restricted from international use, which in turn restricts the BB from accessing data. Note that this has nothing to do with SIM card locking, device locking, international GSM frequencies or anything of that sort; it's just a matter of the account having that international restriction on it.

PS - like I say it's far fetched but not out of the question... especially if there have been no account changes other than a new device and you've travelled internationally a lot. But sometimes accounts get fubar'd by the carrier, you never know.

Worth looking into if the problem doesn't get solved by other advice here.

[jauling]

I've got the same KPN BB Bold using BES as well, and I remember upgrading to 147 while I was there. I dont recall if it was working prior my upgrade or not. But realize this - when I was using it in NYC while it would attach to 3g, it wouldnt do anything. Only way I could get decent data was if i set it to 2g only.

Good luck!

[RobertS]

From where did you download the Firmware update? KPN lists v4.6.0.92 (platform 4.0.0.117) as the latest version. Interestingly KPN does no longer list the Bold 9000 as available for sale - no reason provided. Also, the firmware update page is no longer available.

[jauling]

So i landed in the US a couple days ago. I've got a KPN Bold just like RobertS, and I've been getting the SOS signal status ever since. I'ved tried to switch to 2G only, I started with firmware 185, then tried 190, and upgraded to 210 last night, and none of them seem to fix the issue. Can anyone suggest anything else? Should I downgrade to the base OS that KPN shipped it with? Should I use 167 that shipped with ATT?

Odd thing is, as you notice previously, my Bold worked PRIOR to ATT releasing their Bold! What a headache!!@$

[acnst]

Are you all using KPN SIM cards? If so, I would call KPN and check with them if they know anything about that roaming issue. Do you get a connection if you use a SIM in a different mobile phone?

[jauling]

Yup, I've been using the KPN SIM card. I just tried my KPN SIM in my piece of crap Samsung unlocked slider just now, and I was able to receive incoming calls no problem. In my Bold, if I try to call my NL num it goes direct to VM. Unfortunately I havent ponied up and paid the 60euros to KPN to unlock my Bold yet.

I think my Bold is screwy!