Any error message regarding the SIM tends to suggest an issue there rather than network-side. Do you know any other EE users locally, and do they have issues?
@Quarmby if the phone is stating no SIM then you probably have a faulty SIM card and you need to request a replacement sim. You can do this by calling customer services or going into an EE store with in date photo ID.
To contact EE Customer Services dial 150 From your EE mobile or 0800 956 6000 from any other phone.
