IPhone 3GS - Restored, No Sim

So I received an iPhone 3GS as a gift because my uncle didn't like the handset, my auntie said it was 'broken', i wasn't really sure what this meant as over the past couple of years I have used a very simple phone.

I was trying to update the iOS (?) so I could get the imdb app whilst on itunes, but then my iphone froze. I then clicked 'restore' on itunes as nothing I was doing would restart it.

Now when I turn it on it goes through the options of choosing a language, choosing a location then it asks me to connect to itunes or Wi-Fi.

When I try it through Itunes it says "There's no Sim card installed in the iphone you are attempting to activate" - yet there's a sim card in it and i have tried disconnecting and connecting several times like they suggest but there's no change.

When I try and connect though Wi-Fi it says "Your iPhone could not be activated because the activation server is temporarily unavailable"

I have read online that there's no way to fix your iPhone if it is in this state, but surely not! What a waste.

The best thing to do is go back to basics. Take the battery out and the sim card, leave it a minute then put the sim card and battery back in again. Then restart your phone. If the same thing happens again it would be good to see if you can get into your settings and check the sim card is active. Alternatively do a full reset of your phone in settings and start again. Good luck!

It sounds like you are going to need professional help, Take your phone to a repair shop, they will be quick as they have all the software and tools necessary to help you.

Perform a hard reboot on an iPhone by holding down the home button and the top 'lock' button at the same time for about 20 seconds until you see an Apple logo on the screen, then release the buttons.
This reboots the phones software without deleting any data or settings and helps to clear any temporary software glitches.

Then reconnect it to iTunes and see if it will try and update again.

If it still won't work then take it to an Apple store and see someone at the Genius Bar - to get seen quicker, book an appointment online at apple.co.uk

Or try your local network store if you don't have an Apple store close to you.