As you state that you brought the phone off the blackmarket and you are using a third parties sim card, you are not an EE customer so you would not get any help from EE directly.
You are correct that Google Pixel phones brought from EE are unlocked - Unlock EE Phone
Is my device locked?
We've been selling our devices unlocked lately, but if you bought yours from us a while ago - it might be "locked" to EE. This means it won't work with another mobile network's SIM card.
No matter when you bought them - these devices are already unlocked:
All Google Pixel devices
All Oppo devices
All OnePlus devices
Lyca Mobile use EE.
As stated from elsewhere as not supposed to post outside links:
Lycamobile O2 to EE network switch: Here’s what you need to know if you’re a customer
Last updated: 6th Aug 2023
As a Lycamobile customer, you’ll probably be aware that the operator has recently switched from the O2 network over to EE.
But what does this mean, exactly?
Well, as a result of the switch, you may find your mobile connection affected. Also, similar to the situation with Plusnet Mobile closing, you could be better off switching to a different network entirely.
How many customers are affected?
Currently, Lycamobile has over 16 million customers worldwide.
In the UK, all Lycamobile customers can expect to be automatically switched from the O2 network over to EE. If you’re still on the O2 side, this will change in due course.
Unhappy about the change? Here’s what you can do
If you're unhappy about Lycamobile switching from O2 to the EE network, you should be able to change providers without paying a penalty fee.
This depends on your current Lycamobile plan:
Pay As You Go or 30-day rolling contract
You can switch to a new provider penalty-free at any time.
If you’re on a rolling contract, you’ll need to cancel your recurring payments or risk being charged for a service you no longer use.
Cancel your contract online via your 'My Lycamobile' account. Alternatively, dial *190# and press 1 to confirm the cancellation.
If you’re a Pay As You Go customer, simply run down your credit and turn off 'auto top up' (if you use it). Then, simply stop using the SIM or port it to your new mobile provider.
Remember, switching partway through a 30-day contract or Pay As You Go bundle means you'll lose any unused days and won't get a refund.
Three-, six- or 12-month plan
If you switch before your prepaid period finishes, you’ll be unlikely to get a refund. It may make more sense to stick with your existing plan until it runs out.
However, Ofcom’s mobile coverage obligations do state that if you’re unhappy with your service from Lycamobile, you should follow their complaints procedure in the first instance. This only applies if your phone stops working as a result of the switch and connectivity isn’t restored within a reasonable time.
If the problem remains unresolved after eight weeks, you should contact the Communication Ombudsman to complain and ask for advice.
How might the change affect you?
Although EE does have a positive track record when it comes to mobile service, you may have chosen Lycamobile specifically because it used O2’s network.
Depending on where you live, your network connectivity may be impacted and affect your day-to-day usage.
If this applies to you, then switching mobile providers could be the answer.
I do not subscribe, so please do not always expect a reply.
