Searching network, old sim, normal?

My iPhone 4s had a bad dock connector. I originally intended to fix it, but ended up just buying the iPhone 5s because it was released at the same time and I didn't have time to fix it. Today I replaced the dock connector following Ifixit's guide. The phone charges and works fine, but the bar indicator indicates that it is searching for a network. GPS and Wifi work. I do not have access to a micro SIM with service. The SIM is in the phone, however is disconnected. Is it normal for the phone to perpetually be in searching status if my SIM has been disconnected?