Phone a Prototype?

[Awesome5ammy]

Hello all. I am very confused and hoping someone might be able to shed some light on my situation.  I recently bought a Z3 from Ebay, and the phone I received is not able to connect to any service.  I hooked it up to my computer and downloaded the Xperia Companion to try to repair the software - and it tells me it is unable to update or repair a prototype device except from specific IP's. 

Do I actually have a prototype device or is this some sort of error?  How would I tell?  And lastly, what can I do?  If it's a prototype I obviously feel like I shouldn't have it. 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Qatrium]

@WebRant 

You can know for sure from the IMEI serial number. Contact your local support or try to send a private message to an official Sony Support Representative asking them to check for the IMEI.

Do not add your IMEI number in public posts for your own privacy and security.

[WebRant]

I'll do so and report back.

[WebRant]

This is the response I received. Seems I have a prototype. Do you know if their are limitations or problems, or whether these devices can be software updated?

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for contacting Sony Xperia™ care,

If that box is ticked, and cannot be un-ticked then as it says, your handset will be a prototype. There are no faults that would cause this if the device is not a prototype handset. 

We are limited to what we can advise with your handset being a prototype handset. 

What retailer was the phone purchased from?

As part of Sony Mobile's commitment to excellent customer service, we offer a wide variety of mobile products to suit your lifestyle. If you require more information, or have any other questions, please visit www sonymobile.com/au/   or call us on Australia 1300 650 050 or New Zealand 0800 100 150  Mon-Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm.

Kind Regards,

Chloe

Sony Xperia™ care