"No service": San Francisco in South Korea

[Guest Blade in Korea]

I have been browsing this website but this is my first post. So hi, everyone. Having looked around with google, I couldn't find a solution to my problem.

I managed the necessary registration processes to get an overseas mobile to work in Korea. However, after getting a contract, my OSF did not connect to the network as describe below.

Background info: Getting overseas phones to work in Korea

Usually, you cannot just bring a mobile phone to South Korea, then buy a local pay-as-you-go SIM and then pop it in and expect it to work. Unlike in most parts of the world, Korea is quite strict with mobile operators. Basically, only mobile phones which are registered can work with local phone operators in South Korea.

If you are just going to South Korea for a short trip, there are a few options. Either you roam with it or rent a phone in the airport with or without a SIM card. For instance, if you don't have a 3G phone but a 3G SIM, you could rent a local registered phone and put your 3G SIM in it. But I recommend you just to go with the phone with SIM option.

If you are like I am, planning to live long term in South Korea, either you buy a phone from a local shop and to register an overseas phone there. If the model has not been registered, then it has to be registered with the authorities first. Only after that, after signing the contract, the local operator can to register the the (IMEI of the) phone to try to get it working with the network.

My situation

Phone is able to detect the network but "No service" and "Selected network (KT) unavailable" shows on notification bar. KT refers to Korean telecom which I now am stuck with a 12 month contract

- There is a little cross on the signal notification.

- Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile networks > Network operators > it shows "KT" and "KOR ST Telecom"

- After pressing KT, a little box said "Registering on KT..." but at the end, it says "Unable to connect... at this time"

- If I press "select automatically", doesn't register either

- Nothing changes when I press "Search networks"

- After a wipe, the welcome screen managed to show Korean

I have tried different "Network Mode"s under "Mobile network settings" but I know my operator KT is only on 3G.

Unlocked, Rooted

ROM: Used CM7 but also tried Swedish Snow RLS3 and RLS4 (Really great people writing these roms)

Tried numerous reboots, switching on/off airplane modes.

Any suggestions?

What this might mean to you

Good news: Whoever wants to get a contract in South Korea with their San Francisco can do so directly at a local mobile operator branch.

Bad news: Well, I am not sure it will work.

Edited February 12, 2012 by Blade in Korea

[Guest Davidoff59]

Check the network radio is compatible with Korea's. Ie GSM 900,1800,1900 etc

[Guest Blade in Korea]

Thanks but I don't think that's the problem.Blade WCDMA-2100

WCDMA Korea Telecom (2100 Mhz)

and GSM is 2G which I have not subscribed to.