Verizon's LG G2 is unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile HSPA+

Verizon's latest devices all have SIM card slots, and more often than not they have the right frequencies to properly roam globally on GSM networks abroad. But stuff an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM into the Verizon LG G2 and you'll find that the device is also unlocked for use on domestic GSM networks.

We're not entirely sure why Verizon has started to have a change of heart on domestic unlocking of the GSM portions of its devices, but several high-profile phones from Big Red have had this functionality out of the box. Our HTC One from Verizon was unlocked as well, and in both cases it doesn't require much jumping through hoops either.

Simply pull out the SIM tray on the G2 (it doesn't even require a tool), and place either an AT&T or T-Mobile Micro SIM in the slot. You'll be prompted to reboot the phone, then on boot up you'll be notified that your phone will need to switch into "GSM/UMTS" mode to work. Head into Settings > Tethering & network > Mobile networks > System select and double check that the switch has been made.

 

Once you select your network you'll likely only see a SIM card with a "?" mark inside it and a roaming status indicator in the status bar. Stay in the network settings and tap into "Access point names" to add the proper APN for either AT&T or T-Mobile — in our testing the phone wasn't able to pull APNs off of the SIM nor did it have them pre-loaded.

Once you put in a working APN and reboot one more time, you'll be up and running with HSPA+ service (sorry, no LTE) from either carrier on your "Verizon" LG G2. At least on our unit the phone continues to show the "R" roaming indicator over the signal bars and a "?" SIM card indicator, but we can assure you that you're not actually roaming — a quick look in the "About phone" menu will reassure you.

Now we don't expect many people who have Verizon G2's to take advantage of this feature, but it's great to know that if you ever have a need to switch over to another carrier briefly (or hey, even permanently) you'll have the option without getting a new device.

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T-Mobile, AT&T announce Samsung Galaxy Gear and Samsung Galaxy Note 3

T-Mobile USA and AT&T announced that both of them will offer two of the Samsung’s hottest products, including the Galaxy Gear smart watch and Galaxy Note 3.
AT&T will start accepting pre-orders for the Note 3 later today with first shipments beginning around October 1st. The carrier will sell the powerful phablet for $35 per month with AT&T Next or for $299.99 with a “standard” two-year agreement. The Galaxy Gear will be available “in the coming weeks.”
T-Mobile on its end will launch both the Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3 on October 2. America’s “only un-carrier” will sell the Note 3 for $199.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $21.00 with T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan; Samsung’s Galaxy Gear will go for $299.99 plus taxes and fees.
Meanwhile, both carriers have prepared pages dedicated to the Note 3 from where you can pre-order the device or sign-up to be informed when it starts selling. AT&T’s page is here, and T-Mobile’s – here.

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

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T-Mobile announces price and availability of LG G2, Optimus F6

Today T-Mobile has announced the availability and pricing of the LG G2 and Optimus F6. According to the company’s press release, Magenta will take pre-orders of the G2 September 18 before it sells the 5.2-inch handset in retail stores September 25th. Customers get the standard choice of black and white, with the latter color available online only. The retail price of the LG G2 is pegged at $629.99, which makes the Simple Choice cost $99 down with 24 monthly installments of $21.For those of you who haven’t seen it, here’s the LG G2 specs:Processor: 2.26GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 featuring quad Krait CPUDisplay: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS (1080 x 1920 pixels / 423 ppi)Memory: 32GB / 16GBRAM: 2GB LPDDR3 800MHzCamera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS / Front 2.1MPBattery: 3,000mAhOperating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2Size: 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mmColors: Black / WhiteLTE compatibilityAs for the budget-friendly LG Optimus F6, buyers can grab the device on T-Mobile’s website today, or from the retail store on September 11. This device can be bought on the T-Mo’s Simple Choice with just $49.99 down with 24 monthly payments of $10.Full presser below:

T-Mobile Announces Availability and Pricing for All-New LG G2 and LG Optimus F6

The wait is almost over for T-Mobile customers looking to get their hands on the latest LTE smartphones from LG Electronics. The LG G2 and LG Optimus F6 will further expand T-Mobile’s ever-growing LTE smartphone lineup and will both be available with the Simple Choice Plan, which offers unlimited talk, text and Web with no annual service contract on a speedy nationwide network.The innovative LG G2 – with a beautiful 5.2-inch Full HD display, a 13MP camera, an ergonomic and intuitive rear key design and easy-to-use multitasking applications – is sure to stun and provide virtually all the advanced features smartphone users expect. Starting today, the all-new LG G2, the first U.S. smartphone to launch with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, is available to pre-order and expected to go on-sale September 18 online at www.T-Mobile.com. The device will launch nationwide at participating T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and national retail stores on September 25. The flagship device will be available for well-qualified customers for $99.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $211 with T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan. The smartphone will be available in a black finish as well as a white finish, which will only be offered online.
With the affordable Optimus F6, customers won’t have to compromise on style and functions. It boasts a bright and super sharp 4.5-inch display and 5MP camera with LG-exclusive advanced camera features. We expect the stylish, fast and full-featured Optimus F6 to launch online via www.T-Mobile.com starting September 5 and to be available nationwide at participating T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and national retail stores on September 11. With T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan, the Optimus F6 will cost $49.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $101 – making it one of T-Mobile’s most affordable Android-powered smartphones. For more information on the Optimus F6, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/lg-optimus-f6.html.

Charles West is a self-described music snob and sports fanatic who's a contributor to IntoMobile. In addition he also spends his time managing his own site The Trendaholic. You can catch him on Twitter @charlesawest and Google+

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T-Mobile to Offer Samsung Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3

Samsung’s recently unveiled Galaxy Note 3 will be landing on T-Mobile soon, along with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. T-Mobile customers will be able to take advantage of the Simple Choice rate plans and the JUMP early upgrade program.

While T-Mobile hasn’t announced pricing or availability, a sign up page is live for T-Mobile customers who would like to receive updates about the Galaxy Note 3.

If you’d like to sign up for updates, head here to sign up. PR e-mail follows below.

Samsung’s next big thing – the Samsung Galaxy Note® 3 – is arriving soon and only T-Mobile, America’s Un-carrier, can give customers Samsung innovation combined with wireless’ boldest offers out there – the Simple Choice Plan and JUMP!(TM) program. With the success of last year’s Note II, the next generation is sure to exceed expectations and we can’t wait to bring the stylish premium smartphone to our customers.

The Note 3 isn’t the only new Samsung device coming to T-Mobile soon. We’re also expecting to launch Galaxy Gear (sold separately) – Samsung’s companion smart watch that gives Note 3 customers the freedom to untether themselves from their smartphone and do things that they never thought possible on a wearable mobile device.

Stay tuned for the latest, including when the Note 3 and Galaxy Gear will be available and how much they will cost, by signing up on our pre-registration page.

Raised in rural Northern California, Ian spent his early years embroiled in video games, comic books, and making spaceships out of Legos. He escaped to San Francisco in the early 2000's, mastering the art of coffee making to pay his bills. Ian then attended Mosaic Art school in Italy, returning to the bay area afterwards, and worked on a few art projects of his own. Ian currently resides in sunny Portland, OR.

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