iPhone 4 Activation

so ive just bought the iPhone 4 second hand, the guy reset the phone so it was like brand new! I'm now at home and can not get past the activation screen, as i was told it was unlocked and it must not be! ive tried with sim card and without!

i get these messages
'Activation request could not be completed, if the problem persists, please contact customer care'

or

'Only compatible SIM cards from a supported carrier may be used to activate iPhone. Please insert the SIM card that came with your iPhone or vist a supported carrier's store to receive a replacement SIM card'

someone please help?

maflynn said:

Take it to your local apple store or carrier store, they should activate it there.

Click to expand...

thank you, but is there not away around it?