Samsung Galaxy S2 issue | Phone/Device Issues and Features | Consumer forum

I will try to keep this brief... Wondering if anyone has had this issue or has any suggestions. Just got this phone, it is locked to Rogers. Installed working sim out of my Nokia flip phone, initially got "no sim card installed" message. After reseating sim card, removing battery several times it then came up "no service"and a question mark where the signal strength indicator is. Even with this message I could make and receive calls, receive texts but not send texts.

Now that question mark is gone but I still can't text to my buddy who is on Bell, it fails to send and says it will send when service becomes available. Strangely I can reply to him and it goes but I can't create a new text to him. I have checked and double checked his number. I can text another Speakout number.

There is no name at the top of the screen such as Rogers or Speakout, not sure if that is normal. When I check "about device" the Network shows "@" and Mobile Network Type is "unknown"

Things I have tried:
cleaning and reseating sim card
removed battery for 10 mins
updated to Jelly Bean
called Speakout and they sent a reset signal
entered info for APN (although I am not concerned about browsing or data yet)

Any thoughts?