Connecting a new SIM

[Merkland1]

I've never been able to get a mobile signal here in the countryside but found out recently that there's an EE mast nearby.  So I put a PAYG EE SIM card in my Samsung A21S as a second SIM but cannot get connected.  The EE network is visible to the phone but after repeated tries it says it can't connect, try later.

I also can't add my new phone to my EE account because EE wants to send me a code by text and I can't receive it till my phone's connected.  Nor can I top up until my phone's been accepted by EE.  I feel like I'm up against a brick wall every way I turn!

[bristolian]

Hi @Merkland1 

I'm not familiar with the registration process for new PAYG SIM, but does this phone get coverage in another location?

[XRaySpeX]

You don't need to register a PAYG SIM to use it nor to top-up. It is already activated as long as you are in the UK.

Try using Fast Top Up 

[bristolian]

Thanks @XRaySpeX , I did wonder but didn't want to assume.

It's possible the site in question is only providing coverage on 800Mhz and so PAYG users wouldn't be able to access it.

Testing using a 4G calling compatible device would prove this theory. Out of interest, where (roughly) is this?

[XRaySpeX]

@bristolian : EE PAYG does NOT support WiFi Calling.

[bristolian]

@Merkland1 

WiFi calling is not relevant in this instance, but the reason you are not getting coverage in your specific location may be due to a lack of 4G-calling on PAYG, which does prevent access to EE's "extended range" 800Mhz coverage.

If your phone is seeing EE coverage in a particular area, but is having problems connecting to it, this is what I would expect to see in a location primarily served by VoLTE-only coverage.

I would recommend you try this phone in another location to prove this, or if you know anyone who has a pay-monthly device with EE, to try their phone in your area.