Mobile Wi-Fi R205

[Big-Graham]

Hi

I purchased a Mobile Wi-Fi R205 while in Egypt to give me easy Wi-Fi access, the Vodafone shop in Egypt said that it might be locked to Vodafone Egypt and I was wondering if it is locked can it be unlocked so that I can use it with Vodafone Turkey when we go on holiday next month or will a Turkish Vodafone SIM work without having to unlock?

Thanks

Graham

[AdenGostling]

Hi Graham, Best bet is to put a UK Vodafone sim into the device and test that. if it works then it will probably work in Turkey, if not then likely not.

[Retired-Andy]

Hi Big-Graham,

Thanks to AdenGosling for his suggestion. If the Vodafone UK SIM doesn’t work in the dongle then it’s going to be locked to Vodafone Egypt. I’m unsure whether it’d be possible to request an unlock for the device, it may be more convenient to pop to a Vodafone store and pick one up.

Thanks

Andrew

[Big-Graham]

Thanks Aden & Andrew

I have just received a UK Vodafone sim this morning and tried it however it is locked so must only work in Egypt.

I was hoping it would have been possible to unlock it as it works out rather expensive at around £50 to by another.

Cheers
Graham

[Big-Graham]

Are Vodafone stores able to unlock these?

[Retired-James]

Hi Big-Graham,

To be honest I’m not too sure if they can be unlocked and although everything points towards it being possible, I am trying to get this verified for you.

If this can be done then you will need to request for it to be unlocked using the online request form as the store won’t be able to unlock the device for you.

James

[Big-Graham]

Thanks James

[btb77]

Regardles of whether its locked or unlocked any mobile device bought outside of Turkey will not work. They have strict import regulations and the network will know the IMEI of a device purchased outside Turkey and will quickly block it if used with a Turkish sim. You can in theory register the IMEI of a device, though its only temporary and the last time I inquired had to be done through the local tax office.

The most practical solution is to buy one in Turkey, though they are more expensive at around 250 TL. This is what I've done, not ideal but the only long term solution.

The reason they give for blocking unknown IMEI numbers is to make it near impossible to bring stolen mobile devices into the country, in practice it also stops tourists, temporary residents using non Turkish devices with a Turkish sim. If you use a non Turkish sim it will of course work, though roaming charges will then apply

[Big-Graham]

Ok thanks for the information btb77, bang goes that idea then.

[Alan_R205]

I bought my R205 in Spain and would like to get it unlocked for use in UK. I took it to a Vodafone shop and tried a UK SIM card but it was locked. I was told by sale assistant I need to get the unlock code in Spain to unlock my R205. Is that true? What do I need to do to get my router unlocked in UK? Thanks