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Hi guys,
I have been searching for it but I wasn't quite successful. Here my question and the facts:
I bought the XT1040 in Colombia, hoping LTE would work out fine in Europe as well. As I figured out later, the European versione (XT1039) is the only one which would be working on the LTE bands here.
Is there any way to sort of unlock my XT1040 or to make it work with other LTE bands? According to the box it works with bands 4 and 7. I need for cities in Germany band 20. Is there a way to make that happen or should I save money for a new one? Interestingly, HSDPA+ does work.
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
I brought a Moto G from India, before coming the US for doing my masters.
The thing is here it does not pick up 3G or 4G bands. It just works on EDGE.
I wanted to ask if i can use the QPST method to unlock the bands? because I can see no information on it in the forums(for this phone). I am especially confused since it says nothing about dual sim phones and this is the dual sim variant of moto G
It would be great if someone would guide me how i could unlock the bands on my phone.
Regards,
Naved.
I'm almost a 100% sure this wont work but try installing a USA stock rom and a USA stock kernel. But I think the problem is with Sim card though.
Thanks for the help man. I am currently on T-Mobile planning to switch to at and t soon. You think that it'll at least pick up 3g after that?
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Dear Akonsand, finally do you know if I can use the QPST method to unlock the bands of the Moto G3 (XT1541)?
I have the same problem that you...
I'm bumping this just in case there are some news on the subject.
I'm stuck on EDGE with an XT1541 in Argentina and i'm not really sure of what to do... Is there some sub-forum with phone exchanges around the world?
Maybe someone's interested on a trade!
There were some successful attempts at unlocking the bands on the Moto E 2015, but for now there's no hope for the G...
How do you guys see it? Do we have any chance? Should we wait?
Thanks everybody!
Very interested as I have a xt1550 but am on o2 UK and would like to enable lte for this carrier
akonsand said:
Hi,
I brought a Moto G from India, before coming the US for doing my masters.
The thing is here it does not pick up 3G or 4G bands. It just works on EDGE.
I wanted to ask if i can use the QPST method to unlock the bands? because I can see no information on it in the forums(for this phone). I am especially confused since it says nothing about dual sim phones and this is the dual sim variant of moto G
It would be great if someone would guide me how i could unlock the bands on my phone.
Regards,
Naved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a little confused here... Your Indian model phone should get 3G in the US, but not LTE (I hate it when people say "4G", technically speaking even LTE isn't 4G but that is for another thread), in fact, assuming you have the correct SIM and APN settings, your model should get HSPA+ speeds. LTE is out though... let me explain
3G (HSPA/HSPA+) in the US is 850Mhz and 1900Mhz, in India it is 800Mhz and 1800Mhz, the Moto G supports all 4 of these bands, so it should work in the US just fine.
In the US, several bands are used for LTE such as 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, and 41 (granted some bands are very limited or carrier specific), but in India LTE use is exclusively Band 40 by both Aircel and Airtel, and the LTE setup in the Moto G is specific for those countries and does not inter-operate.
So, long story short, with a GSM US carrier SIM and correct APN setup, you should get 3G HSPA+ data connections with no issues on your Indian Moto G, which is probably good enough for most uses and can exceed 8mbps down speeds in many areas.
acejavelin said:
I am a little confused here... Your Indian model phone should get 3G in the US, but not LTE (I hate it when people say "4G", technically speaking even LTE isn't 4G but that is for another thread), in fact, assuming you have the correct SIM and APN settings, your model should get HSPA+ speeds. LTE is out though... let me explain
3G (HSPA/HSPA+) in the US is 850Mhz and 1900Mhz, in India it is 800Mhz and 1800Mhz, the Moto G supports all 4 of these bands, so it should work in the US just fine.
In the US, several bands are used for LTE such as 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, and 41 (granted some bands are very limited or carrier specific), but in India LTE use is exclusively Band 40 by both Aircel and Airtel, and the LTE setup in the Moto G is specific for those countries and does not inter-operate.
So, long story short, with a GSM US carrier SIM and correct APN setup, you should get 3G HSPA+ data connections with no issues on your Indian Moto G, which is probably good enough for most uses and can exceed 8mbps down speeds in many areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the reply man.
I think even HSPA or HSPA+ might not work for me on this phone. I am using a T Mobile family plan here, and comparing th bands given on the website:
"4G (HSPA+)
With 4G, theoretical maximum download speeds range from 21 Mbps up to 42 Mbps. You can take advantage of incredibly fast download speeds, and even use voice and data services at the same time.
Frequencies: Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz)
3G (HSPA)
With 3G, theoretical maximum download of 14 Mbps. With 3G, you can use voice and data services simultaneously.
Frequencies: Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz)"
and the bands my phone supports(from the motorola website)
"Moto G (XT1550)
LTE (1, 3, 7, 8, 28,40) UMTS/HSPA+ (900, 2100, 850 MHz)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)"
It seems that the uplink is unsupported by my phone and so the phone is unable to use the HSPA/HSPA+ bands. I think the only way to use it is to unlock the 1700 MHz band on my phone.
(BTW Tmobile quotes HSPA+ as 4G and thats hilarious lol)
akonsand said:
Hey thanks for the reply man.
I think even HSPA or HSPA+ might not work for me on this phone. I am using a T Mobile family plan here, and comparing th bands given on the website:
"4G (HSPA+)
With 4G, theoretical maximum download speeds range from 21 Mbps up to 42 Mbps. You can take advantage of incredibly fast download speeds, and even use voice and data services at the same time.
Frequencies: Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz)
3G (HSPA)
With 3G, theoretical maximum download of 14 Mbps. With 3G, you can use voice and data services simultaneously.
Frequencies: Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz)"
and the bands my phone supports(from the motorola website)
"Moto G (XT1550)
LTE (1, 3, 7, 8, 28,40) UMTS/HSPA+ (900, 2100, 850 MHz)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)"
It seems that the uplink is unsupported by my phone and so the phone is unable to use the HSPA/HSPA+ bands. I think the only way to use it is to unlock the 1700 MHz band on my phone.
(BTW Tmobile quotes HSPA+ as 4G and thats hilarious lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most us carriers say HSPA+ is 4G...
Tmobile is great in many regards, except if you have an international phone like the Moto G and they do not have the correct bands implemented in your area, which it appears they do not... Honestly, consider moving to AT&T Wireless or an AT&T based MVNO like Cricket, Straight Talk AT&T, or Go Phone, it might cost a little more but you could get HSPA+ with no issues. 850Mhz is AT&T's primary HSPA/HSPA+ frequency, and 1900Mhz is added to congested areas, but this varies by area... before going all in I suggest trying a SIM from a buddy or go the AT&T (corporate) store and ask to test a SIM just to be sure. But regardless you should get UMTS/GSM speeds on AT&T, which is way better than Edge, averaging anywhere from 500kbps-2mbps.
If TMo is essential or you can't change for whatever reason or live without HSPA+/LTE, consider getting a Blu phone or Moto E locally, they are relatively inexpensive (under $150) and are not amazing but will probably do the job.
acejavelin said:
Most us carriers say HSPA+ is 4G...
Tmobile is great in many regards, except if you have an international phone like the Moto G and they do not have the correct bands implemented in your area, which it appears they do not... Honestly, consider moving to AT&T Wireless or an AT&T based MVNO like Cricket, Straight Talk AT&T, or Go Phone, it might cost a little more but you could get HSPA+ with no issues. 850Mhz is AT&T's primary HSPA/HSPA+ frequency, and 1900Mhz is added to congested areas, but this varies by area... before going all in I suggest trying a SIM from a buddy or go the AT&T (corporate) store and ask to test a SIM just to be sure. But regardless you should get UMTS/GSM speeds on AT&T, which is way better than Edge, averaging anywhere from 500kbps-2mbps.
If TMo is essential or you can't change for whatever reason or live without HSPA+/LTE, consider getting a Blu phone or Moto E locally, they are relatively inexpensive (under $150) and are not amazing but will probably do the job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool Alright. I actually had a chance to join AT & T family plan but didn't join it because T-mobile was giving more data :facepalm:
Ill see if i can switch to an AT & T network.
Thanks for your help one again man!
akonsand said:
Cool Alright. I actually had a chance to join AT & T family plan but didn't join it because T-mobile was giving more data :facepalm:
Ill see if i can switch to an AT & T network.
Thanks for your help one again man!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to test it first, just to be sure.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
akonsand said:
Hi,
I brought a Moto G from India, before coming the US for doing my masters.
The thing is here it does not pick up 3G or 4G bands. It just works on EDGE.
I wanted to ask if i can use the QPST method to unlock the bands? because I can see no information on it in the forums(for this phone). I am especially confused since it says nothing about dual sim phones and this is the dual sim variant of moto G
It would be great if someone would guide me how i could unlock the bands on my phone.
Regards,
Naved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so far i know these are hardware specs and cannot be unlocked or changed.i mean to say moto g 2015 has different variants based upon hardware specs of their band support
If you started using att with your xt1550 ..how is it? Do you get 3g or lte?
I didn't start using it. Currently stuck with a group plan.. But I tried using a friends sim card.. 3g does work well with at n t.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for letting me know... I wish there was a way to get 'lte' ...someone has to come up with a way to unlock the bands lol. Thanks
I am currently having the samw problem, i bought a moto g which lte and 3g bands do not work in argentina. I tried the qpst method, but i got stuck in step 12 of the guide. If someone could make it work and explain how they did it, it would be awesome.
KentianAylomen said:
I am currently having the samw problem, i bought a moto g which lte and 3g bands do not work in argentina. I tried the qpst method, but i got stuck in step 12 of the guide. If someone could make it work and explain how they did it, it would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here...I am trying qpst also but rf.nv manager keeps getting an error for me. Maybe we can work together on this. I also can't figure out the hidden menu..unless its *#*#4636#*#*
KentianAylomen said:
I am currently having the samw problem, i bought a moto g which lte and 3g bands do not work in argentina. I tried the qpst method, but i got stuck in step 12 of the guide. If someone could make it work and explain how they did it, it would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello i have the same problem with my moto g, i like to know if somebody have a solution (lo compre en andorra y aca en argentina no funciona, queria saber si aderribo o kentianAylomen lo habian resuelto mi correo es [email protected])
francoferrer said:
hello i have the same problem with my moto g, i like to know if somebody have a solution (lo compre en andorra y aca en argentina no funciona, queria saber si aderribo o kentianAylomen lo habian resuelto mi correo es [email protected])
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey , I'm from argentina too and have the same problem. Could someone fix it? (hablemos en castellano)
The same problem with rf.nv manager. It always stops when I want to setting the COM. I edited some things of the program... Didn't work.
Hi, I have a 64gb OPO in USA on Straight Talk, using AT&T network. For some reason I'm not able to get an LTE signal in Burlington, Vermont area despite LTE service being available locally. As soon as I cross into New York, New Jersey, or other states I can and do receive LTE signal, so I know my device and Sim card are capable. Others have told me AT&T uses an unconventional LTE band in this area because they took over another carrier called Unicel. What I need help determining is what band they use locally and subsequently which radio I need to flash to get LTE on that band. Currently my battery drains fast constantly switching from hspa to hspa+, yet doesn't do so in other cities and states. Any help, and links are greatly appreciated.
The OPO hardware LTE bands are: 1, 3, 4, 7, 17, 38 and 40. ATT US uses bands: 2, 4, 5, 17. So, if your ATT LTE signal is on 2 or 5 you won't get LTE in that area on your OPO. The bands are a hardware limitation of the OPO and can't be unlocked, as some people have tried in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56577252&postcount=455.
Hi... Working with a brand new Moto G XT1548. Stock Rom stock everything.
Simple question is this, how do I get this sim Unlocked to accept any sim card. Right now its apparently a virgin mobile phone and says (nationwide sprint 4g lte network) on the box; which I assume is how it would work in the states. But I am not in the states.
Can anyone help me out here? Or just point me in the right direction.
Lorddeff07 said:
Hi... Working with a brand new Moto G XT1548. Stock Rom stock everything.
Simple question is this, how do I get this sim Unlocked to accept any sim card. Right now its apparently a virgin mobile phone and says (nationwide sprint 4g lte network) on the box; which I assume is how it would work in the states. But I am not in the states.
Can anyone help me out here? Or just point me in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok Virgin Mobile/Sprint is CDMA, the sim is for 4g LTE so this not a GSM phone. I suppose you could try contacting carrier you want to use and see if they can switch it for you, but I doubt it's possible/worth hassle.
All Moto G 2015's support basic GSM service, but have limited bands for HSPA and LTE, the XT1548 has very limited...
CDMA: 800, 850, 1900 Mhz
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 Mhz
UMTS/HSPA+: 850, 1700, 1900 Mhz
LTE: B2 (1900), B4 (1700), B5 (850), B12 (700), B17 (700), B25 (1900), B26 (850), LTE-TDD: B41 (2500)
To unlock the SIM you have to contact Virgin Mobile or buy a code from an unlock service online.
Lorddeff07 said:
Hi... Working with a brand new Moto G XT1548. Stock Rom stock everything.
Simple question is this, how do I get this sim Unlocked to accept any sim card. Right now its apparently a virgin mobile phone and says (nationwide sprint 4g lte network) on the box; which I assume is how it would work in the states. But I am not in the states.
Can anyone help me out here? Or just point me in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you had any success in using it in Nigeria here? I'm expecting the same phone soon and I have some confidence it could work since it supports GSM bands. However, if you've been able to use it I could use some help in how you did it. If not yet successful, just hang on, I'll figure it out when mine arrives. I helped get the Moto X Sprint unlocked here on XDA.
ezeuba said:
Have you had any success in using it in Nigeria here? I'm expecting the same phone soon and I have some confidence it could work since it supports GSM bands. However, if you've been able to use it I could use some help in how you did it. If not yet successful, just hang on, I'll figure it out when mine arrives. I helped get the Moto X Sprint unlocked here on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get 2G GSM service only (GSM900, GSM1800)... at best... No 3G, WCDMA/HSPA, or LTE. The Sprint versions are "tuned" to Sprint service, and not to global or other regions, and there is no unlock for the other bands. The Sprint Moto G 2015 is probably the worst possible you could get, unless you have Sprint service.
acejavelin said:
You will get 2G GSM service only (GSM900, GSM1800)... at best... No 3G, WCDMA/HSPA, or LTE. The Sprint versions are "tuned" to Sprint service, and not to global or other regions, and there is no unlock for the other bands. The Sprint Moto G 2015 is probably the worst possible you could get, unless you have Sprint service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see... Just like the Verizon Moto E 2015, which when unlocked could only get 2G service and data... Well, it's better than not working at all overseas... Thanks.
ezeuba said:
I see... Just like the Verizon Moto E 2015, which when unlocked could only get 2G service and data... Well, it's better than not working at all overseas... Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe... The Sprint version is just just limited in hardware to very specific bands and frequencies for Sprints network and basic GSM service for roaming needs.
Good luck.
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)