When I run, walk, hike, etc I only carry my watch. No need for the phone. That's one of the reason's I buy these things. Now the non LTE ones have to be paired. So maybe they're confused, or they're ignorant of the way these devices work.
The watch has it's own number so it can make and receive calls on it's own just like it has an LTE connection of it's own. It shows up as the watch's number on caller ID. So, you can give people both numbers if you want.
I just went into stand alone mode, and got calls on both the phone and watch. Then remote connected, and that works as well. Bluetooth connected I get phone if I don't answer it switches to the watch. I can also receive calls at the same time on both devices.
It's funny watching everyone stop, and stare when I'm using my watch to pay at work. Inevitably there's one moron that tries to tell me it doesn't work. It shuts them up quick when it works like a charm.
The only thing showing on Sprint.com is a replacement Gear S3 band. Nothing else. I've been harassing them for weeks asking questions about this great watch, and have been flat out told NO they are not carrying the LTE.