Iphone 3gs 'Emergency Only' Screen

After resetting my iPhone 3gs back to default, it rebooted to the 'Emergency Only' screen. I have an old SD card in it, but I don't plan on using the iPhone for calling, just to play games on. I have never jail broken it and have hardly even used it since about a month after the iPhone 3gs first came out (I know it was kind of a long time ago). I also no longer use Apple. Any help?

Hi RandomUsarName,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
I understand that you would like to use your iPhone 3GS without cellular service but you cannot get it past the Emergency Call screen. After restoring, the iPhone needs to be activated to move past that screen. I understand that you have an old SIM card in the iPhone, but in order for the iPhone to activate and be used without cellular service, it has to be activated with an activated SIM card. Once the phone has been activated the SIM card can be removed. Please use the following article as a reference.
Using an iPhone without a wireless service plan
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3406
Have a great day,   
-Joe

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