Optus mobile successfully unlocked, but can't receive or make calls

wizzlesticks on 15/02/2022 - 23:52
Last edited 16/02/2022 - 00:03

Are there any experts out there that could maybe help with this interesting dilemma? I have an Optus X Power (ZTE Blade A6) which I successfully unlocked using a code I got directly from Optus. The phone can send and receive texts and use mobile data, but can no longer make or receive calls when using the Belong SIM (Telstra network). If another phone tries to call the number, it fails and diverts to Belong's Message2Text.

This is what I've done so far to try and resolve

  • Restarted the phone (obviously)
  • Verified signal strength and coverage is strong
  • Used the SIM in another phone (it worked perfectly)
  • Tried switching to forbidden network operator (e.g. Vodafone), then back again (no luck)
  • Reset Network Settings entirely (still no luck)
  • Entered the Belong APN (Internet works perfectly, but still won't allow calls)
  • Restored factory settings (same issue persists)
  • Went into call / carrier settings and try to 'Forward calls' but I get 'Network/Sim error' message

My gut feeling is that, even though the phone is unlocked, it can't be used on other networks.

Hoping an expert can prove me wrong!

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Comments

  • websterp on 16/02/2022 - 00:02
    +2

    Have you checked whether the phone supports Telstra frequency bands?

    • wizzlesticks on 16/02/2022 - 00:05

      No, I haven't. I don't really know much about the frequencies. What does Telstra use do you know?

      • websterp on 16/02/2022 - 00:10
        +3

        First check the bands this phone supports. I doubt it would be a global model so the bands would most likely be limited to what Optus operates on. You can find this information on the box or OPTUS/ZTE product pages. Unlocking does not change this fact.

        Australian Mobile Network Frequencies

        Check the last paragraph on page 3

        And here you will find some more easy to understand info.

        • wizzlesticks on 16/02/2022 - 15:34

          Thanks, that seems conclusive. I'll stop trying to make it work with Telstra then.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2022 - 00:33
    +5

    Optus X Power 3G 900, 2100 so no 850 which means no Telstra. Voda use the same bands as Optus, so it would work on them.

    It does have most of the 4G bands, but Belong don't do VoLTE. So that explains why you can do messages but not calls.

    • avoidfullprice on 16/02/2022 - 12:39

      Or maybe OP just need to turn off VoLTE on the phone?

      Some websites report it does support 3G 850MHz

      https://www.hardreset.info/devices/zte/zte-blade-a6-max/spec…

      • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2022 - 14:46

        It might be based on the ZTE, but it is the Optus X Power. Different region models often support different bands. June '24 Telstra will turn off the 850 band of 3G, so Belong will have to enable VoLTE by then. Telstra actual and Boost both support VoLTE.

        • wizzlesticks on 16/02/2022 - 15:36

          The phone only lets me select between LTE/CDMA auto or CDMA only.

    • wizzlesticks on 16/02/2022 - 15:35

      That helps, thanks.

  • hikaru78 on 16/02/2022 - 09:36
    -1

    bands most likely but id also check the imei
    https://amta.org.au/check-the-status-of-your-handset/

  • AndyC1 on 16/02/2022 - 13:24

    Have you used the SIM in another phone to check that the SIM has been activated correctly and not just "activated" by Belong?

    • wizzlesticks on 16/02/2022 - 15:33

      Yes, that's the third dot point on my list.

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