Can't set up mobile data or edit APNs in Android Go. Talkmobile.

[Android Central Question]

I've recently "upgraded" to a Blackview A20 but I've found that I can't set up or use mobile data. It seems like one of the "features" of Android Go is that I can't edit the APN settings which I need to change in order to set up a data connection on Talkmobile (Vodafone), every setting is greyed out and there is no "edit" option anywhere. Is there any way around this?

I've tried:
Resetting and restarting the phone and network settings.
Replacing the SIM card with a new one.
Using Airplane mode.
Deleting the system cache.
Calling Talkmobile multiple times and requesting set-up texts that don't seem to have arrived.
Downloading multiple apps that might install/edit the APN data.
All of the above in multiple different orders.

Do I need to replace my phone?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Part of the problem may be that your phone doesn't support all of TalkMobile's mobile data bands. According to this article, TalkMobile uses the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for 3G (and doesn't have 4G). Your phone supports the 900 MHz band, but not 2100 MHz band. So if the 3G tower in your area is primarily 2100 MHz, then your phone won't get mobile data.

https://www.devicespecifications.com/en/model/0c8849ab
https://www.4g.co.uk/4g-frequencies-uk-need-know/

 

[Daz Maddison]

Thanks B. Duffy, for an interesting answer. I wonder if there's a way to find out which frequency the towers are on? I think I'll still have to find a way to edit the APN settings either way as it seems to be standard procedure for the network. Thanks again.

 

[Daz Maddison]

Diddy*
(Autocorrect isn't on my frequency either.)

 

[B. Diddy]

Try using an app like Network Cell Info Lite to see if it will tell you which tower the phone is using.