[kosmos5457]

Hmm, well like the title of the thread says, what is at fault, the phone or the network?

This evening I have tried calling a few people that I'd normally call and I've not been able to get through to a single one of them.

I will start by saying I am an O2 customer, on a retentions contract deal, using a PAYG iPhone 3G that I purchased through the Apple Store Online.

Once or twice since first using this phone, I have had the message pop up saying insert a valid SIM, so I have always wondered whether there could be an issue with the phone reading the SIM card properly. The SIM card is still rather new so that should not be a problem.

The phone doesn't even charge in the car over USB (only an inverter fixes that problem) but that is another issue and I lost a load of applications a few weeks back when transferring them to my PC. Some sync error occured.

When I switch the phone on, I am asked for the passcode and then the SIM unlock code. I've also had the phone start running sluggish but only after attempting to make a call before its rebooted by itself. It returned to the normal home screen without asking for the SIM unlock. The phone has been switched off and on, tried resetting by holding down the home button and power button until restart and I have had the phone tell me to connect to iTunes for activation. At this point I've either managed to get beyond that screen without problem or I've switched the phone off as it will only allow emergency calls.

Switched the phone back on again to get it to the home screen and it has done so after telling me that the iPhone is activated.

Still unable to call anyone. I have had people try to call me and for a split second the tone started, I picked up even and the call cancelled then too. This suggests to me that the problem lies with the phone. So what can I do now?

I should give O2 a call in the morning, see what they suggest but I don't think it is a problem their side.

[Sananda Maitreya]

Try following this:

http://www.apple.com/uk/support/iphone/troubleshooting/

[kosmos5457]

Thanks for that. Looks like a restore might be in order. It says that media and data will be lost etc. A restore is the same as erasing the data from the phone then? Does that mean the restore takes 2hrs as well?

Not doing a restore on it tonight. I only done a restore recently and it is not something I enjoy doing either.

It's most certainly the phone at fault though. That much I do know. Seems other people have this problem. Just a little google search brought up some results.

If a restore does fix this issue then the question is, how long would it be before it does the same thing again? That's assuming that a restore fixes it.

[Sananda Maitreya]

If restoring doesn't fix it, or only fixes it temporarily, take it to an Apple Store and have then swap it out.

[kosmos5457]

I think that is the only option now as I called O2 and they confirmed that there is no problem with my account, no problem with coverage in this area.

I tried the restore in iTunes and that didn't change anything, tried all suggested solutions through Apple Support and nothing.

I will have to make an appointment with the Genius Bar at my nearest Apple Store which is 120 miles away. Don't like sending things away either and much prefer issues to be dealt with there and then.

[kosmos5457]

Had my appointment at the Genius Bar today and the guy replaced the iPhone there and then. Although they did not say that it is a refurbished model, I'm sure it is. However, that is ok, so long as it works. I'm just pleased that they were helpful and sorted it.

[Sananda Maitreya]

Good to hear you have a resolution.