To quote the Sony blurb :
Is the 3G/HSDPA modem of my VAIO locked to the supplied SIM card?
The VAIO’s built-in 3G/HSDPA modem is not “SIM-locked” to a specific network and will work with any SIM card. If you put in a SIM card from a different operator, you will need compatible connection software. If your operator does not offer any compatible connection software, you can download and install the generic GlobeTrotter Connect software available here. You may need to manually enter the Access Point Name (APN) and DNS addresses of your particular operator’s network in the GlobeTrotter Connect software.
FROM MY RECENT EXPERIENCE - THIS IS NOT THE CASE!
My TZ31, using Option Globetrotter software, works fine with the bundled T-Mobile SIM, an O2 SIM, a Virgin SIM or a Vodafone SIM. MWConn software works fine with any network EXCEPT Orange. I've tried three different Orange SIM's - all of which cause the Option software to hang on "Device Found, wait while initializing", whilst the MWConn software can't communicate with the modem if an Orange SIM is in place.
Sony Customer Support asked me to return the machine, which I did. It came back a week later with the WWAN card changed (for no reason), along with an indecipherable note from their repair agent, Teleplan.
Sony Ireland at least agreed to escalate to Sony Brussels, but today they have washed their hands of the problem. It's an Orange issue apparently - nothing to do with them. Orange assure me this is absolutely nothing to do with their SIM - it is not locked and it is definately the hardware behaviour that needs to be investigated.
My business has long term data accounts with Orange, and I would have thought the issue warranted further investigation by Sony. My request to Sony Ireland for a Telnet session with an engineer to help solve this issue were met with a bemused silence.
Will my business be buying any more Sony laptops? I don't think so, unless case 3222873 is re-opened and investigated further.
I'm also escalating this to OFCOM - as far as I can ascertain, hardware manufacturers have an obligation to make customers aware if they block particular networks.
Sony's poor customer service so far is almost comical. Is anyone else aware of this issue?
