I was recently informed by a mobile carrier rep that all models of the S8 are already unlocked and I have been reading around that it supports both GSM and CDMA on a single device. I am using AT&T (a GSM carrier) but their service around my location in near no existent and I am trying to switch over to Verizon or US Cellular which are CDMA carrier. I'm looking for some confirmation on this and the steps i would need to take to switch providers and keep the same phone. I have. I know that the United States models can be flashed to a different carriers official software but would this be necessary?
They are all the same hardware and all support the same radio bands. Depending on your carrier and which firmware you're running, some features may or may not work on all carriers. I'm not sure about your AT&T version, but the T-Mobile versions come carrier locked. They must be paid off and activated on T-Mo for 40 days before they will unlock it. I believe Sprint is also carrier locked. From what I understand Verizon is unlocked out of the box, as have all VZW LTE devices been for a few years now. AT&T is the one carrier I'm unsure of. Easiest way to find out is to put a different carriers SIM card in and see if it works. If it is carrier locked, AT&T will unlock it for free as long as it is paid off. Just request it through the AT&T website.
Once you switch to Verizon, I HIGHLY recommend flashing either the XAA unlocked firmware, which will detect your SIM automatically and optimize it for VZW. It will be bloatfree, but may be missing VOLTE, WiFi Calling, etc. If you want all the VZW features, flash the VZW Carrier firmware, and be ready for the VZW bloat as well.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
They are all the same hardware and all support the same radio bands. Depending on your carrier and which firmware you're running, some features may or may not work on all carriers. I'm not sure about your AT&T version, but the T-Mobile versions come carrier locked. They must be paid off and activated on T-Mo for 40 days before they will unlock it. I believe Sprint is also carrier locked. From what I understand Verizon is unlocked out of the box, as have all VZW LTE devices been for a few years now. AT&T is the one carrier I'm unsure of. Easiest way to find out is to put a different carriers SIM card in and see if it works. If it is carrier locked, AT&T will unlock it for free as long as it is paid off. Just request it through the AT&T website.
Once you switch to Verizon, I HIGHLY recommend flashing either the XAA unlocked firmware, which will detect your SIM automatically and optimize it for VZW. It will be bloatfree, but may be missing VOLTE, WiFi Calling, etc. If you want all the VZW features, flash the VZW Carrier firmware, and be ready for the VZW bloat as well.
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Click to collapse
Thank you I went ahead and I am using an unlock service and I will be switching to some sort of carrier and flashing to that carrier's firmware.
I have a Verizon S8+ and popped in my tmobile sim and it works perfectly. I made no apn changes. I looked in the apn settings and all the settings for various vendors were already in there.
Oyeve said:
I have a Verizon S8+ and popped in my tmobile sim and it works perfectly. I made no apn changes. I looked in the apn settings and all the settings for various vendors were already in there.
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If I read correctly, he's going the other way, from ATT to VZW, so I don't think all the features will work without the VZW firmware.
i've flashed the phone over to the unlocked fw and unlocked carrier following the Snap+ Flashing Guide on these forums so now i'm waiting for my carrier unlock to be completely free. Will provide and update once i recieve my code and use it.
Related
I asked this question a few days ago & no one answered, so I will try a different way.
Verizon tells me that my phone that is "unlocked & rooted" with CyanogenMod 10.2.1 is not truly unlocked.
So how do you completely "unlock" a phone so that it will work on Verizon's CDMA network?
Is there a different way to unlock for CDMA?
Thanks.
Rebel60 said:
I asked this question a few days ago & no one answered, so I will try a different way.
Verizon tells me that my phone that is "unlocked & rooted" with CyanogenMod 10.2.1 is not truly unlocked.
So how do you completely "unlock" a phone so that it will work on Verizon's CDMA network?
Is there a different way to unlock for CDMA?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your running cyanogen mod your bootloader is unlocked. There's two different kinds of unlocked, one is sim unlocked which means it can run on almost any carrier and bootloader unlocked meaning you can flash custom roms
As far as CDMA not that I'm aware of
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
ShapesBlue said:
If your running cyanogen mod your bootloader is unlocked. There's two different kinds of unlocked, one is sim unlocked which means it can run on almost any carrier and bootloader unlocked meaning you can flash custom roms
As far as CDMA not that I'm aware of
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I couldn't understand how a phone can be unlocked & rooted & still not be unlocked. The salesman at Verizon told me on the phone that whatever company originally sold the phone would have to unlock it. I forgot that this was a T-Mobile phone. I use T-mobile sim via Straight Talk. If this sim is removed then would the phone be able to work on Verizon network? Verzion is telling me this is a GSM phone & not CDMA & won't work unless unlocked by carrier. Which makes no sense if it isn't a cdma to begin with. I assume that all Verizon version of phones are made for them as CDMA only?
If this is so, then Verizon should not be advertising "bring your own device" as it won't work. It should be "bring your own Verizon phone".
Rebel60 said:
Thanks. I couldn't understand how a phone can be unlocked & rooted & still not be unlocked. The salesman at Verizon told me on the phone that whatever company originally sold the phone would have to unlock it. I forgot that this was a T-Mobile phone. I use T-mobile sim via Straight Talk. If this sim is removed then would the phone be able to work on Verizon network? Verzion is telling me this is a GSM phone & not CDMA & won't work unless unlocked by carrier. Which makes no sense if it isn't a cdma to begin with. I assume that all Verizon version of phones are made for them as CDMA only?
If this is so, then Verizon should not be advertising "bring your own device" as it won't work. It should be "bring your own Verizon phone".
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Click to collapse
Verizons idea of bring your own device really isn't what it should be. It should work on the vzw network but all phones should be sim unlocked by the carrier as a law was passed to do so, however verizon won't a lot of times sim unlock it like it should be until the contract is fulfilled.
And yes there bring your own device is irrelevant because most gsm phones won't work like they should on this crappy network because they are the only CDMA only network left.
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
ShapesBlue said:
Verizons idea of bring your own device really isn't what it should be. It should work on the vzw network but all phones should be sim unlocked by the carrier as a law was passed to do so, however verizon won't a lot of times sim unlock it like it should be until the contract is fulfilled.
And yes there bring your own device is irrelevant because most gsm phones won't work like they should on this crappy network because they are the only CDMA only network left.
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
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Click to collapse
Thanks ShapesBlue. I assumed it was not really bring any device to play as they state. My phone came from T-Mobile from the original buyer, so I don't know if T-Mobile would till unlock it or not since it isn't stock any longer. I have a friends that use Verizon & they get good service in our area. Mine is limited on T-Mobile, lot of dead spots especially where I work & slow data. I had a non digital CDMA phone that I used through Straight Talk & it used Verizon network & I got good phone service in places way off the beaten trail, so that is why I wanted to try Verizon again.
Where can I find a copy of the "unlock law". I searched for it but didn't find anything. I would like to print it out & take with me for proof.
Thanks.
Rebel60 said:
Thanks ShapesBlue. I assumed it was not really bring any device to play as they state. My phone came from T-Mobile from the original buyer, so I don't know if T-Mobile would till unlock it or not since it isn't stock any longer. I have a friends that use Verizon & they get good service in our area. Mine is limited on T-Mobile, lot of dead spots especially where I work & slow data. I had a non digital CDMA phone that I used through Straight Talk & it used Verizon network & I got good phone service in places way off the beaten trail, so that is why I wanted to try Verizon again.
Where can I find a copy of the "unlock law". I searched for it but didn't find anything. I would like to print it out & take with me for proof.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Not sure if it has passed just yet but here is some info on it
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-signs-bill-unlocking-cellphones/
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
I Just found the law, it was signed into law by president on Aug. 1st. 2014. S.517, Public law 113-114
Thanks.
Hey guys im going to be pre-ordering tomorrow and want to know your thoughts on which carrier variant to go with. I have AT&T where I live but I have heard that tmobiles phone are usually easier to get bootloader unlocked, or they come pre unlock. Which one do you think is a better choice?
I'm sure the tmobile one will have all. The band's requires for att.. Or at least the main ones. If you're looking at modding, go the tmobile route. But Idk how easy it will be to get the tmobile one and have them unlock it for you. I went through hell with my s6 edge and getting them to unlock it
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
I am debating the same thing. Last time I got a TMOB, and paid for a 3rd party unlock which took a week. Then canceled the TMOB service before the 30 days were up.
TMOB won't unlock phones until they are on plan after two payment cycles and the phone is fully paid off.
Now TMOB unlocks via app and I understand there is a 3rd party vendor that might be able to get them unlocked, but might be troublesome. I asked my sister who is a TMOB customer if she could just outright buy the phone for me but she said under her plan they require her to surrender her old phone so I have to put it on their stupid plan.
Not sure if you can get the phone via MetroPCS as a pre-paid plan and avoid this nonsense but it seems their phone choices are severely limited.
Definitely looking for a better way to get an unlocked bootloader.
I'm in the same boat. Have an AT&T S4 and finally looking to upgrade but after the hell AT&T gave with the S4 locked bootloader I think T-mobile is the way to go. Just hope unlocking it for AT&T will be a straight forward process.
The guy that unlocked an S6 for me emailed me back that he was not sure yet if he could unlock a TMOB S7.
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Nextstep said:
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
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Click to collapse
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
zcubed said:
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news, thanks for checking.
What I'm currently debating is preordering the AT&T S7 from Best Buy to get in on the VR and MicroSD, then just selling once an unlocked T-Mobile variant becomes available No other way to preorder a 930T without an account right?
The TMOB preorder is up. You need to subscribe to a plan to order it. It does not let you pre-order it on a post paid or prepaid plan.
I am really hesitant to preorder it since TMOB sucks and won't unlock until after 2 billing cycles. And you have to unlock it using their app verses typing in a code provided by a 3rd party unlocker after you turn the phone on when a non-TMOB sim is inserted.
Guess I'll have to wait until some unlocked ones appear on Swappa or Fleabay. Hate doing that as I was just burned with a phone that that eventually popped up with a blacklisted IMEI.
Like Flame Red said, there's no way to get the T-Mobile one without signing up for a plan but you also get a year of Netflix with the t-mobile one that's worth WAY more than the microSD from Best Buy. You can cancel the plan immediately though and hope for a third party unlocking service to unlock the phone for a fee.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------
Bands detail links:
https://support.t-mobile.com/community/phones-tablets-devices/android/samsung_galaxy_s_7#id_1299991
https://www.att.com/cellphones/samsung/galaxy-s7.html#sku=sku7840239 (Click Details)
Is there a place to order the 930F Global version? Will that have all the bands required for ATT & TMO?
Are there any Galaxy S7 that will support CDMA and GSM.
I looking to go prepaid route and Sprint prepaid MVNO and T-Mobile prepaid MVNO with maybe some AT&T prepaid.
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
According to this thread, the underlying hardware is the same for all S7 variants and the bands are turned on/off via the radio files. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040
Should be interesting if I decide to get a t-mobile S7 and possibly being able to "turn on" the extra bands at a later date.
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Will see, hoping some users will get the phone soon, and confirm before I purchase.
clove.co.uk is now showing pre-orders for the unlocked international s7 (and edge). Interestingly enough, they're showing it having the SD820 whereas I thought EU was getting the Exynos!?
zcubed said:
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So technically speaking, no matter what version ill get it will be locked to att after I put in that sim card?
I wonder if that means the bootloaders will be the same on all the models, since they are all the same except for the radio differences?
Neither for me. International versions only
As far as unlocking goes, I've been in that scene for about 6 months. If it's an app unlock, no biggie, it'll just cost about $30 more than without the app unlock. You should expect to pay about $20-50 for the unlock once the phone comes out. No sweat!
The big difference between att and tmobile is not the sim lock, but the fact that att phones come with locked bootloaders thereby severely limiting their attractiveness to the mod community.
So like the title says I have a brand new never started/updated t-mobile s7 and I'm looking to use the phone on the Verizon network where I currently have a plan.
I've never unlocked SIMs before so I figured I'd check here first, I don't want to brick the phone obviously..
So my question is how do I go about doing this? I see t-mobile has an app that unblocks the SIM for customers, however I'm not a customer and do not plan on using t-mobile network.
I found some dodgy websites that claim to be able to do it but I'm not sure how I feel about handling over my information to them especially without at least some third party confirmation that the service actually works and is not a scam.
Does anyone have some input on what to do?
Flash the 930U firmware to it. This should allow it to be SIM unlocked.
Try calling tm you just never know they may just give you the unlock codes. I had a phone lock to att once, gave them a ring and they gave me the codes, just be nice.
I used the tmobile unlock app on device. The app checks if you qualify same as a rep would.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
2003WRB said:
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA and GSM are two different frequency bands, and use separate hardware. Meaning, they are physically not compatible.
2003WRB said:
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The good news for you is that the S7 sold in the United States all contain the same hardware, the same actual components, so they all physically are capable of handling both GSM and CDMA networks. Also good for you is that now that the phone is unlocked, you can either flash the Verizon firmware or flash the "U" firmware on your device. Normally speaking, this would be really bad advice for any other device, but for the S7 it is possible.
I have the T-Mo S7 flat, and I am running the latest U firmware on AT&T, though I have flashed many and sold them for Verizon.
Don't fret, be happy, and Merry Christmas!
will this allow lte+,in order words can I make a call and still browse the internet on verizon?
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
BBRecon said:
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
mdiaz33685 said:
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
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Click to collapse
i have tmobile and i got the FD version of the phone, without root and flashing tmobile CSC VOLTE and WIFIcalling will not work on the stock firmware.
keep in mind flashing and rooting will trip knox and you cannot use samsung pay and secure folder. and warranty is voided.
secondly, tmobile is not having bad business models. it doesn't matter how loyal you are, they are a business. everyone requires one new line for a BOGO, ATT wants one new line and you have to have directTV.
does anyone know for sure if the US unlocked version (SM-G955UZKAXAA) supports LTE band 29 for AT&T? according to this, it does not: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/03/08/unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-s8-fcc-smg950-smg955/
ajsmsg78 answered this and it appears not.
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
BBRecon said:
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
spaniolo said:
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
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Click to collapse
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
BBRecon said:
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the US unlocked does support all US carriers features, while the International unlocked does not. And the bonus it is still no carrier's bloatware.
I was looking to buy the Galaxy Note 8, and is it worth buying the Unlocked version over the ATT version? I know I will save a little money, and also have less bloatware. I could not find much info on the basebands of these phones, there would not really be any basebands the unlocked version wouldnt have that the ATT version has? I assume that it would just be smarter to get the unlocked version?
Someone correct me if I am wrong
Sorry this is somewhat unrelated to the S8+
Thanks
Somebody mentioned the carrier specific ones may get updates more frequently. Regardless, the only unlock that really matters to me is bootloader unlock. US Snapdragon S8/S8+ are not bootloader unlocked--regardless whether the model is carrier unlocked or not. Only the Chinese and Hong Kong Snapdragon S8/S8+ bootloaders can be unlocked so far. My recommendation is to pre-order the Note 8 as you were interested in that phone, but that if you were planning on sticking with the same carrier and wanted updates more frequently, getting a carrier specific Note 8 might be best.
I'm in the same situation. I currently with att prepaid, they have LTE+ (LTE advanced). I did speed test twice, getting 127mb down, 30mb up, 115mb down, 28mb up. I'm not sure if unlocked version note8 has all the LTE bands. I thinking of just getting att version and if I want to switch carrier in the future, I just pay for those unlock service.
netnerd said:
I thinking of just getting att version and if I want to switch carrier in the future, I just pay for those unlock service.
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Click to collapse
Be careful about those assumptions, make sure the AT&T variant has all the bands needed for full rate.
Recently switched from ATT to Verizon, and ended up getting a new phone (not *really* complaining since it's the GS8+) because my 1 yr old GS7edge AT&T model didn't have support for the correct LTE bands to work properly with the Verizon network.
I'm planning on staying with the same carrier, I just figure I'd get update faster, have less bloat ware, and have more lte bands (with the unlocked version)
Isn't that all accurate?
ALL the US versions have the same exact hardware and support the same exact bands. The ONLY difference is the carrier specific firmware. And you can change that by flashing whichever firmware you want through ODIN.
brendan4t said:
I was looking to buy the Galaxy Note 8, and is it worth buying the Unlocked version over the ATT version? I know I will save a little money, and also have less bloatware. I could not find much info on the basebands of these phones, there would not really be any basebands the unlocked version wouldnt have that the ATT version has? I assume that it would just be smarter to get the unlocked version?
Someone correct me if I am wrong
Sorry this is somewhat unrelated to the S8+
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both S8 T-mobile and S8 unlocked. They have identical LTE bands. Moreover, when inserting SIM cards from different providers the CSC is changed to that provider and some specific options are enabled. I put in T-mobile SIM card and used it without any issues. Put in Vodaphone Europe SIM card and CSC changed from TMB to XAA (unlocked) and phone still had all LTE bands available and worked. I'm sure it's the same for ATT. Also, from previous experience if you get ATT version and change providers you'll not get updates anymore unless you go to Samsung to have your phone updated, as all OTA's go through ATT servers.
Go for unlocked.