iPhone 3GS no service

Blocked iPhones will not accept domestic sim cards.

 

Because the IMEI number is blocked.

 

What aren't you understanding? The IMEI is blocked, thus preventing it from being used on AT&T, T-Mobile or whichever gsm carrier in the U.S.

Only AT&T can unblock it. Even if you get it factory unlocked it still won't work.

 

Can he call AT&T to get it unblocked?

 

He could. But I'm pretty sure the original owner would have to take care of it.

 

Probably so. I think that AT&T though, may only be concerned if that particular iPhone is still under a contract. If it's not under contract, then I don't see why AT&T would not unlock it for him.

 

AT&T doesn't block due to unpaid accounts. They only block stolen phones. I've had many accounts over the years where I bought iPhones and sold them after a few months and broke the contracts. No one on this site ever complained to me that phone was later blocked. I still own a few others myself that work on T-Mobile to this day.

 

I get it now. Thanks! I didn't quite read in between the lines on that one.

 

Yea CDMA carriers will block the esn of MEID from being used on lost/stolen phones and unpaid accounts but gsm providers will only block if stolen.

The OP answered his own question in the first few words of his post. He's confusing a blocked imei with locked SIM card. He's out of luck.