Related
I want to figure this out once and for all.
What services does this phone support on the 850 MHz band?
The big question is whether UMTS/HSPA works. NYC area has amazing 850 band coverage on AT&T.
If I were to put a prepaid AT&T SIM in my phone, set my phone to only operate on the 850 MHz band, and set the proper APNs (necessary for 3G?); would I be able to get data beyond EDGE?
Only one way to find out...
There's no mystery to it if you read through the [GUIDE] Set up Verizon Galaxy S3 as World GSM Phone (confirmed working) thread and the [BOUNTY] ($205 so far) Enable HSPA+ on 1900 MHz / 1700MHz for VZW Galaxy S3 i535 threads completely....
With the radio software verizon has on the phone, the galaxy s3 is quad band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and single band WCDMA (2100).
We don't know if it has the hardware for WCDMA 850/900/1900 and until now, nobody has successfully flashed a different radio due to the bootloader lock. Keep an eye on the "enable WCDMA 1700/1900" thread for updates.
And just to answer another question that you might have, when my S3 was rooted and set up to work in Germany, I tried both T-Mobile and AT&T sim cards here in town. The problem with the S3 is that even if you try to select a different WCDMA band in the field test menu, the radio firmware will not allow you to change it from 2100. So in an area with T-Mobile PCS (1900) and AT&T PCS/CELLULAR (1900/850) WCDMA, each test I tried only ran on EDGE.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Wow... That really sucks.
So, there's literally no way to get 3G outside of Verizon aside from MetroPCS EVDO?
LLStarks said:
Wow... That really sucks.
So, there's literally no way to get 3G outside of Verizon aside from MetroPCS EVDO?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first step is to experiment with different radio files, as one user in the 1700/1900 thread wants to do, but we need to get the secure-boot/bootloader unlocked so those files can be written.
Phones like the Rezound had the hardware for Quad-band WCDMA (3g), but took a radio file flash to make it work. The reason there is a bounty is because we -think- the Verizon S3 has the hardware, it will just take some work to get the software on the phone to talk to that hardware.
I know. I've been following the thread.
Was a little unsure of the details regarding frequencies.
As far as I understand, they're at a dead end. They need JTAG/UART to continue without worrying about bricks.
LLStarks said:
I know. I've been following the thread.
Was a little unsure of the details regarding frequencies.
As far as I understand, they're at a dead end. They need JTAG/UART to continue without worrying about bricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, and sadly, I lack the skills and the bounty probably isn't enough to attract a dev with JTAG and a phone to fiddle with to solve our issue
Verizon cdma is ran by nortel dual urban base stations the frequencies are 810-910 and 1840-2000mhz. The LTE is 690-760mhz 1x means that your on 850. 3g means your on 1900 or 850 depending on how far away from the site you are, and 4g means your on LTE. The LTE base station is ericsson but speeds will vary depending on whether or not the site is on fiber or T1 transport. Normally they keep the pre pay customers on the nortel dual urban... Oh by the way we are starting to decommission the lucent cdma on metro pcs sites and convert them to t-mobile GSM but luckily metro uses ericsson for LTE too so there's hope.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
This phone is the first phone Verizon is selling (except the iPhones) that has the 1800MHz LTE Band (band 3).
When I saw this I was particularly excited as I visit Australia often and that's the band Telstra uses. I am currently in Australia now, and I am unable to pick up any LTE on this phone. I have gone through every possible mode in the phoneinfo app, but none will get any LTE signal.
I am using a Telstra SIM that has LTE service and I put in the correct APN settings.
The only possible explanation that comes to mind is that Verizon is blocking the 1800MHz LTE band from being used, just like the S4 came with AWS but only a software update pushed later on was able to unlock that band. If that were the case, is there any way around it?
Any other ideas why it's not working?
I tested my SIM in the same location in a iPhone and it got lte
Sent from my HTC One M8 using Tapatalk
levilib said:
This phone is the first phone Verizon is selling (except the iPhones) that has the 1800MHz LTE Band (band 3).
When I saw this I was particularly excited as I visit Australia often and that's the band Telstra uses. I am currently in Australia now, and I am unable to pick up any LTE on this phone. I have gone through every possible mode in the phoneinfo app, but none will get any LTE signal.
I am using a Telstra SIM that has LTE service and I put in the correct APN settings.
The only possible explanation that comes to mind is that Verizon is blocking the 1800MHz LTE band from being used, just like the S4 came with AWS but only a software update pushed later on was able to unlock that band. If that were the case, is there any way around it?
Any other ideas why it's not working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a necro-post, but I asked both HTC and Verizon associates and they said that it should work...so don't know if some bad information has been passed my way or GSM/LTE is just being funky (I do remember reading that has been, or was, a problem)
I am leaving the post paid cell service and going prepaid.
I since majority if prepaid US prepaid carriers are Sprint, T-Mobile and some AT&T. I want a GS 7 that will support all three carriers with as much bands possible.
Any suggestions for carrier versions or does the Sprint version support (once unlocked) support AT&T and T-Mobile.
There's only 1 model variant in the US now - they all have the same band support - it all depends on firmware as to what bands are active.
But one thing to consider is that while a Verizon/Sprint phone may work on Tmobile/AT&T the same might not be the case the other way around because the AT&T/Tmo phone will probably have the bands disabled in the FW
Just to show this is my tmobile S7, wcdma bands that are enabled - so seems it would support Verizon/Sprint on bands 800/850/1900/2100 -- 2100 is a band not listed on Phonescoop FYI
nest75068 said:
just to show this is my tmobile s7, wcdma bands that are enabled - so seems it would support verizon/sprint on bands 800/850/1900/2100 -- 2100 is a band not listed on phonescoop fyi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wcdma ≠ cdma
unknownbeing said:
wcdma ≠ cdma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess we'll have to wait until a Sprint/Verizon person gets their phones and get into the service menu to see what it looks like
Wasn't sure if they were the same thing (left Sprint well over a decade ago for GSM and never looked back lol)
But based on your info, then my first comment is probably true - Tmo/AT&T variants will not work on Sprint/Verizon due to not having the proper FW
nest75068 said:
Just to show this is my tmobile S7, wcdma bands that are enabled - so seems it would support Verizon/Sprint on bands 800/850/1900/2100 -- 2100 is a band not listed on Phonescoop FYI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to set preferred lte band like the s6?
PunishedSnake said:
Is there a way to set preferred lte band like the s6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried yet. Don't want to mess something up
nest75068 said:
There's only 1 model variant in the US now - they all have the same band support - it all depends on firmware as to what bands are active.
But one thing to consider is that while a Verizon/Sprint phone may work on Tmobile/AT&T the same might not be the case the other way around because the AT&T/Tmo phone will probably have the bands disabled in the FW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this right? The FCC filing shows 5 models (SM-G930V [Verizon], SM-G930P [Sprint], SM-G930R4, SM-G930A [ATT], SM-G930T [T-Mobile]). It shows each version having support for different bands.
How would one go about changing the firmware? For instance, if I have the VZW version (doesn't support LTE Band 12) and want to use it on T-Mobile, how would I change the firmware to T-Mobile's?
S7/S7 Edge FCC Filing Showing LTE Support
jblazea50 said:
Is this right? The FCC filing shows 5 models (SM-G930V [Verizon], SM-G930P [Sprint], SM-G930R4, SM-G930A [ATT], SM-G930T [T-Mobile]). It shows each version having support for different bands.
How would one go about changing the firmware? For instance, if I have the VZW version (doesn't support LTE Band 12) and want to use it on T-Mobile, how would I change the firmware to T-Mobile's?
S7/S7 Edge FCC Filing Showing LTE Support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for FW change, not sure how that would go. We shall see what happens when the Dev's get their hands on these and start to figure it out.
nest75068 said:
As for FW change, not sure how that would go. We shall see what happens when the Dev's get their hands on these and start to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has that been ever done successfully on any of the carrier devices? You couldn't do that on the S6 to enable certain bands. I'm not too familiar with the other devices.
jblazea50 said:
Has that been ever done successfully on any of the carrier devices? You couldn't do that on the S6 to enable certain bands. I'm not too familiar with the other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well looking at Phonescoop, the S6 had separate CDMA and GSM models. Based on my understanding of the S7, there is 1 phone for the US market (where each carrier has their own model #) but internally the phone is the same.
The only other phone I can think of that had 1 variant for the US market was the iPhone (where each phone internally was the same and the bands that were active was dependent on the FW)
nest75068 said:
Well looking at Phonescoop, the S6 had separate CDMA and GSM models. Based on my understanding of the S7, there is 1 phone for the US market (where each carrier has their own model #) but internally the phone is the same.
The only other phone I can think of that had 1 variant for the US market was the iPhone (where each phone internally was the same and the bands that were active was dependent on the FW)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think on the S5 you could change some of the NV to enable different bands. The iPhones are all one variant and they don't disable certain bands either. I have a 6S+ on T-Mobile (supports all bands); if I swap the sim for Verizon, it'll work on all of Verizon's lte bands as well. The S7 for verizon shows support for bands 2/4/5/13 so I'm not sure if I were to place a T-Mobile sim that it'll enable band 12 since it's not enabled on Verizon's version.
I guess we'll have to wait and see if it's truly one variant of the S7 in the US.
I'm in the UK, I'm wanting the S7 Edge - but don't want the 8890. The screengrab shows it supporting the main UK bands too.. Hm! Can you get simfree phones in US?
PunishedSnake said:
Is there a way to set preferred lte band like the s6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figured out on the Tmobile variant how to set preferred band.
For me Band 12 is great for calls/texts in my building but HORRIBLE for data so I always switch to Band 4 as my only lte band (which means I don't get calls since I have VoLTE off but no biggie).
To do this on the S7 requires a few more steps than the S6, you have to
*#2263# for service menu
Select clear all bands
Then select LTE band preferences and choose the band you want
Then hit the more button(top right hand corner) and select back
Then hit Apply band band configuration
To revert back to normal go back into the service menu and choose select all bands and then choose apply band configuration
nest75068 said:
Figured out on the Tmobile variant how to set preferred band.
For me Band 12 is great for calls/texts in my building but HORRIBLE for data so I always switch to Band 4 as my only lte band (which means I don't get calls since I have VoLTE off but no biggie).
To do this on the S7 requires a few more steps than the S6, you have to
*#2263# for service menu
Select clear all bands
Then select LTE band preferences and choose the band you want
Then hit the more button(top right hand corner) and select back
Then hit Apply band band configuration
To revert back to normal go back into the service menu and choose select all bands and then choose apply band configuration
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want band 4 to be the preferred one instead of b12
PunishedSnake said:
I just want band 4 to be the preferred one instead of b12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well another thing you can do is go in and specifically turn band 12 off only and will still net you calls and whatnot
nufclad said:
I'm in the UK, I'm wanting the S7 Edge - but don't want the 8890. The screengrab shows it supporting the main UK bands too.. Hm! Can you get simfree phones in US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We normally can purchase phones outright but they are usually branded by their carrier. AFAIK, there wont be a unbranded version in the US. However, isnt the S7 doing something with the phone locking to the first sim/carrier being placed in the phone?
i have a g930t that is working with a Verizon sim card in it . and this is what i did
1: i used the sim unlock app on the s7 tmobile to unlock my phone
2: then flash g930u firmeware
3: i dont know if this one helped or not but i did *#2263# to slect all the bands.
4: turned off the phone
5ut the verizon sim card and turned it on
6: after it finished booting up the phone you will see a message on the screen that will say something like" need to reboot to configurate your sim card" hit ok and let it reboot.
enjoy
Can one use a G930P (Sprint S7) on T-Mobile USA with full band usage? I am assuming the phone would need to have a custom ROM on it.
Hello,
I've got a LG Phoenix 2(K371) phone that I bought from Bestbuy and unlocked through AT&T
The phone is supposed to support the UMTS B1(2100 Mhz) frequency (as stated in specs).
I'm in North Africa right now for a business trip and unfortunately I wasn't able to get any 3G data with the local carrier that uses the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency, I'm stuck with only 2G while my other phone works just fine.
I tried to change my Network Mode from 4G to 3G but the Network mode menu is missing!!!!!!
My questions are:
1- Does the K371 really supports the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency ?
2- How can I change my Network mode from 4G/Lte to 3g/WCDMA?
Thanks
Did you ever get this sorted out? I am in Germany and can only get 2G also.
Same here in the UK! Only 2G.
My understanding is that either the official specifications of the phone are wrong - it doesn't support the HSDPA frequency of 2100 MHz, or (most likely) this frequency is disabled in the phone software settings since [email protected] doesn't use this frequency in the US. In any case it is very frustrating: I bought this phone convinced it is going to work while I am travelling in Europe, but obviously it doesn't as 2G data connection is useless.
Same problem in SE Asia. Phone doesn't have the right LTE bands but HSPC should work. Only getting 2G. No option in the hidden menu to change the modem RAT settings that I can see. *#546368#*371#
Anyone have any luck using the k371 overseas?
Same here...
I tried every single method I know in hopes that I could root the phone, but no luck!!!
I believe at&t disabled the said frequencies....
Our only bet is a proper root, and a custom rom..
any update on no UMTS 2100Mhz?
any solutoion on this issue?
I have found a solution. I am using it outside the US. I contacted my cellular provider, gave them the phone name (LG K371) and they sent me a text message with automatic settings for their data network. As soon as I opened it, I got a message like "data settings have been updated" and now it works on 3G and 4G without any issues. You may also be able to find these data configuration settings on your cell service provider's web site.
Seriously???
Please let me know is it AIRTEL service? since i am from INDIA.
we have the same problem in 2 mobiles..
Hmmm
I tried of calling and received setting for MMS , GPRS, INERNET but still i m seeing 2G symbol as E - edge detection
Please help me
Hi this is sainath
am also facing same problem, any one got solutions
please give reply.
tromal said:
Hello,
I've got a LG Phoenix 2(K371) phone that I bought from Bestbuy and unlocked through AT&T
The phone is supposed to support the UMTS B1(2100 Mhz) frequency (as stated in specs).
I'm in North Africa right now for a business trip and unfortunately I wasn't able to get any 3G data with the local carrier that uses the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency, I'm stuck with only 2G while my other phone works just fine.
I tried to change my Network Mode from 4G to 3G but the Network mode menu is missing!!!!!!
My questions are:
1- Does the K371 really supports the UMTS 2100 Mhz frequency ?
2- How can I change my Network mode from 4G/Lte to 3g/WCDMA?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for a late reply, but here's the real scoop about the LG K371 (AT&T)
First, being a "cheap" LG phone, there are very few bands actually included, and they only cover the main (not all) AT&T US frequencies, therefore it's no surprise that doesn't work on all overseas carriers. Again, they are covering only major US bands, and despite what it shows on the box or specs it may not be always true. B1 (2,100Mhz) band has different sub-bands, therefore it doesn't mean that the US B1 will work on an overseas B1, let alone the air-interface (2G/3G/4G/LTE) may not all be supported even if this sub-band exists.
Second, being that it's an AT&T phone, they are knows to load firmware with major restrictions for band selection called RAT Restrictions, which cannot be undone unless you can reflash it with a non-customized firmware, but you can't do that either due to the locked bootloader. A better option is to always go with the un-customized or Tmobile K7/K8 because they always have a lot more bands enabled than the AT&T version. Better yet, go with a Samsung which have more bands even on the AT&T models.
Bottom line, "cheap" phones along with AT&T restrictions will not work everywhere, despite the specs, and there's nothing you can do about it.
And my favorite old adage is "You get what you pay for!" LOL
Hi everyone,
I'm having a couple of issues with my H830 that I'm trying to clear up.
1. Besides having the "Device Unlock" app showing up on your phone, how else can you tell if your phone is actually still carrier locked? I ask because I purchase mine used and it was locked. I did not insert a SIM, ran the unlock app, did a permanent unlock attempt, and it appeared to work. After I completed that, I downgraded, rooted, and updated to the current 20n. I had a few unrelated issues and decided to unroot/lock bootloader/reflash to stock. After I got things back to 100% stock everything, I show the "Device Unlock" app again. However, my SIM is Straight Talk AT&T and its working (mostly, that's the next question). Calls work, messages work, and data (mostly). If I was truely still carrier locked, wouldn't this not happen? Is there a warning I should be getting?
2. I believe I've seen others who have experiences issues when using an H830 with Nougat on AT&T networks, something about Band 17 being broken/disabled. Regarding my current situation from question 1, data is acting weird. If I leave the network mode setting on ""GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto", I seem to get a trickle of data - emails seem to come through, and little bits of websites come through. If I switch to "GSM/WCDMA auto" like I've seen listed in other places, data seems to work as you'd expect other than being on a slower connection. Has anyone else had this problem and resolved it?
sorry, looks like i posted in the wrong board. could a mod maybe move this to "Questions & Answers" board?
As an update, if anyone cares - I've managed to use the phone on multiple different carriers between US, China, and Taiwan. My issue here in the US is due to the network mode - I guess the band AT&T uses around here is not supported by the phone currently.
sqkid89 said:
As an update, if anyone cares - I've managed to use the phone on multiple different carriers between US, China, and Taiwan. My issue here in the US is due to the network mode - I guess the band AT&T uses around here is not supported by the phone currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an H830 that is an Tmobile Specific G5
ATT version is H820
Tmobile uses this channels or Freq bands
Freq Band
1900 MHz 2
1700/2100 MHz 4 AWS
850 MHz 5
700 MHz 12
600 MHz 71
----------------------------------------------------
ATT uses
LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 9(1800), 17(700), 18(800), 19(800), 20(800), 28(700), 29(700)
38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
the H830 dont have as many bands as ATT needs , so when there is no ATT LTE bands your phone switches to 2g hence slowwww data speed
If you want full speed on ATT network, get an H820
i do not fully get why you want to use a Tmobile headset on the ATT network
Hope this little explanation helped you
Max.
sqkid89 said:
Hi everyone,
I'm having a couple of issues with my H830 that I'm trying to clear up.
If I switch to "GSM/WCDMA auto" like I've seen listed in other places, data seems to work as you'd expect other than being on a slower connection. Has anyone else had this problem and resolved it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I to am also using a using an "unlocked" T-mobile Lg G5 with an AT&T StraightTalk Sim from the Bring Your Own Phone Package which has been an absolute nightmare. Love the phone but not the data problems connection problems ...even been ridiculed by an iphone x enthusiast that is in your face annoying about the iphones. I wanna root, fix problems, and show him what a real operating system can do . :highfive:
---------- Post added at 08:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 AM ----------
maxolini said:
If you have an H830 that is an Tmobile Specific G5
ATT version is H820
Tmobile uses this channels or Freq bands
Freq Band
1900 MHz 2
1700/2100 MHz 4 AWS
850 MHz 5
700 MHz 12
600 MHz 71
----------------------------------------------------
ATT uses
LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 9(1800), 17(700), 18(800), 19(800), 20(800), 28(700), 29(700)
38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
the H830 dont have as many bands as ATT needs , so when there is no ATT LTE bands your phone switches to 2g hence slowwww data speed
If you want full speed on ATT network, get an H820
i do not fully get why you want to use a Tmobile headset on the ATT network
Hope this little explanation helped you
Max.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the at&t sim cause straighttalk suggested it and tmobile has horrible coverage is iowa. you cant fine a tmobile dealer for 50 miles in every direction of me.
maxolini said:
If you have an H830 that is an Tmobile Specific G5
If you want full speed on ATT network, get an H820
i do not fully get why you want to use a Tmobile headset on the ATT network
Hope this little explanation helped you
Max.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm well aware there are differences in bands; my area apparently doesn't use the same 4g bands as ATT. In many areas, TMobile does, so its not an issue. If you want a G5 that could be unlocked, rooted, and run a custom OS without much trouble, H830 is the way to go. I just wanted to make sure others looking to do the same didn't think they got a bad or locked phone.
Anyone in or around new york using it?? Do you get LTE and 3g?
OP, I don't seem to understand your issue or situation. I will assume you experience poor connectivity with your H830 model on AT&T including intermittent LTE drops, losing LTE after calls, 3G/H+ only, and poor service/coverage. AT&T white-lists devices which can use LTE on their network, and while they may connect, they will get dropped to 3G/2G GPRS after a while. These white-listed devices ONLY include AT&T models of phones, and SOME unlocked phones. This is an issue many OnePlus, Nexus, and Huawei users experience with AT&T. Even though device is unlocked, LTE is gone after a while or never loads. Some have suggested to call AT&T or chat via tech support to whitelist your IMEI on their system, which will take a while to reach the correct person. What I ended up doing was switching to T-Mobile from my MVNO TracFone because they told me AT&T claimed my device was not capable of LTE (These included: G4 H811, G5 RS988, and G5 H830). As for band compatibility, it should not be an issue. AT&T supports bands 2, 4, and 12/17 (29 & 30 are rare), they just added band 12 compatibility 1-2 years ago to gain more customers from T-Mobile but it's working against them because of their LTE whitelist.
maxolini said:
If you have an H830 that is an Tmobile Specific G5
ATT version is H820
Tmobile uses this channels or Freq bands
Freq Band
1900 MHz 2
1700/2100 MHz 4 AWS
850 MHz 5
700 MHz 12
600 MHz 71
----------------------------------------------------
ATT uses
LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 9(1800), 17(700), 18(800), 19(800), 20(800), 28(700), 29(700)
38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
the H830 dont have as many bands as ATT needs , so when there is no ATT LTE bands your phone switches to 2g hence slowwww data speed
If you want full speed on ATT network, get an H820
i do not fully get why you want to use a Tmobile headset on the ATT network
Hope this little explanation helped you
Max.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that data, i did not know this. I will be switching back to a Tmobile MVNO next month. I am with Red Pocket so I can choose either carrier.
I was at a restaurant yesterday and my LTE was SUPER slow and I was wondering why it is slow sometimes and fast other times even with full bars (strong signal)
patato21 said:
OP, I don't seem to understand your issue or situation. I will assume you experience poor connectivity with your H830 model on AT&T including intermittent LTE drops, losing LTE after calls, 3G/H+ only, and poor service/coverage. AT&T white-lists devices which can use LTE on their network, and while they may connect, they will get dropped to 3G/2G GPRS after a while. These white-listed devices ONLY include AT&T models of phones, and SOME unlocked phones. This is an issue many OnePlus, Nexus, and Huawei users experience with AT&T. Even though device is unlocked, LTE is gone after a while or never loads. Some have suggested to call AT&T or chat via tech support to whitelist your IMEI on their system, which will take a while to reach the correct person. What I ended up doing was switching to T-Mobile from my MVNO TracFone because they told me AT&T claimed my device was not capable of LTE (These included: G4 H811, G5 RS988, and G5 H830). As for band compatibility, it should not be an issue. AT&T supports bands 2, 4, and 12/17 (29 & 30 are rare), they just added band 12 compatibility 1-2 years ago to gain more customers from T-Mobile but it's working against them because of their LTE whitelist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the repeat delayed responses, been away and not getting alerts.
I had a few issues to begin with that were hard to determine due to multiple issues/changes/whatever. Normally I try to do one thing at a time, but I messed that up for myself. Between forum searches are real world testing, I was able to figure them out, so putting them all in one place may be helpful to someone else.
1. I had SIM unlocked my phone prior to downgrading and trying out custom roms. When I wasn't getting LTE, I thought I may have screwed something up and returned everything back to stock. In the process, the "SIM Unlock" app came back and I assumed I may have somehow relocked things. Turns out that's not the case, as I've used an AT&T sim from Straight Talk ever since and others for work in both China and Taiwan. I'd love to get rid of some of the LG/T-mobile bloatware, but I fear breaking anything if I remove this app, so I'll just leave well enough alone.
2. LTE - I was getting no data use at all originally. I couldn't confirm if this was due to a defective phone, being SIM locked, or something else. On my business trips overseas, I was able to get LTE, so it appears to be the band/whitelisting issue as you and others have mentioned. In order to semi-solve my issue, I switched my Network Mode (Settings > Connectivity > More > Mobile Networks) to "GSM/WCDMA auto". I don't get LTE speeds, but 4g works well enough for me as-is. If I ever get around to it, I'll just snag a new Straight Talk sim for t-mobile (although I get shivers any time I even think about having to deal with their customer service department)