Cannot connect to LTE network

[NelsonGoncalves]

Hello,

I am trying the UDP sample for the nRF9160 DK board, using the iBasis SIM card that came with the kit.

The problem is that it does not register onto the network.

The configuration is for LTE-M, and it is available at my location (Zaventem Belgium: https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/cellular-iot-guides/b/hardware-design/posts/ibasis-esim-national-coverage-update).

The output I get on the serial port is:

*** Booting Zephyr OS build v2.4.99-ncs1 ***
UDP sample has started
Network registration status: 2
LTE cell changed: Cell ID: 16982536, Tracking area: 17100
RRC mode: Connected
RRC mode: Idle

I added the line "Network registration status: 2", the value means it is searching for a network (LTE_LC_NW_REG_SEARCHING).

I then tried the AT command sample, and I tried:

AT+CEREG?

+CEREG: 5,2,"42CC","01032208",7,0,19,"11100000","11100000"

OK

AT+CESQ

+CESQ: 99,99,255,255,17,48

It seems it cannot register on the network. Do I need to connect an antenna to the board ? Or do I need to activate the sim card ?

[Carl Richard]

Hello, Nelson!

Thanks for reaching out. You do have to activate the SIM card, which can be done on the nRF Cloud website.

Make sure to follow the nRF9160 DK getting started guide which should take you through all the necessary steps for setting up your DK and connecting. 

Best regards,
Carl Richard