iMessage / UK / O2 - receiving automated SMS but not activating

[708692]

I did a full erase + reset of my 3gs. Running 6.1.3.
Trying to activate iMessage and I get "waiting for activation". A few seconds later, an SMS arrives that looks like:
?????@@REG-RESP?v=3;r=xxxxxxxxx;n=+44xxxxxxxxxxxxx;s=xxxxxxxxxxx

From what I understand , this is the configuration information that iMessage needs. But for whatever reason, it's coming through as text to me rather than data to the app.

I have followed many guides online to get iMessage working. I have reset all contents and data on the phone and set it up as a new phone, not connected it to any Apple service and then activate iMessage. Same thing - an SMS comes in and iMessage doesn't activate.

I've spent 4 hours looking at this. Also spoke to O2 and they say nothing is wrong with my account so it should work.

Please help!

 

[Dee2001]

I'm having the exact same problem with my 5s on O2. Keep getting the configuration information as texts. I'm wondering if it's an O2 problem as there was a carrier update today.

I've ordered a 3 nano sim just to check and see.

 

[708692]

Well strange that you said that - I just tried an Orange sim and it activated ok. I was concerned that might have been part of the issue - swapping the sims around.

Didn't know about the carrier update - where'd you see this?

Edit - seems quite a few of us are having this issue:
http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Apple-...ssage-on-iOS-7-not-working/td-p/531514/page/1

 

[Dee2001]

When I was trying to get iMessage working I restored to a fresh copy of 7.0.1 and iTunes told me that there was a carrier update.

 

[camperdown9]

I've got the same issue. Brand new iPhone and O2 sim.

I have just tried a Vodafone sim in the handset and iMessage activates correctly and everything works as it should.

Looks like is an O2 issue.

Alex

 

[Dee2001]

Well strange that you said that - I just tried an Orange sim and it activated ok. I was concerned that might have been part of the issue - swapping the sims around.

Didn't know about the carrier update - where'd you see this?

Edit - seems quite a few of us are having this issue:
http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Apple-...ssage-on-iOS-7-not-working/td-p/531514/page/1

They've figured out what was causing it at that link you posted.

Seems if you use TuGo it stops the silent text reaching iMessage. Deleted my TuGo account and iMessage is now working.

 

[708692]

They've figured out what was causing it at that link you posted.

Seems if you use TuGo it stops the silent text reaching iMessage. Deleted my TuGo account and iMessage is now working.

Yeap, that also worked for me