Help with new unlocked (AT&T) Galaxy S III I747

[longshadows]

I just bought an unlocked GS3 through eBay :-( because I wanted LTE functionality, I got the AT&T model (I747), since the other (I9300? "international" does not appear to support LTE). Anyway, I got the phone last night (it's a "refurbished" model, without warranty), but it looks nice, seems to work as it should and it is unlocked (I tested on a T-Mobile SIM and made a call).

I've been an iOS user for several years, and have a iPhone 4S, but decided to go apostate due to Apple's arrogant authoritarian way of doing business and controlling their loyal customers. So, there is a "learning curve" for me.

I need help/advice for you experts. The GS3 is crawling with AT&T bloated crap, and I'd like to sever all ties to AT&T on the phone. Basically, I'd like a generic model which also supports LTE.

If I root and change the ROM
1. Will this retain the unlock?
2. Will the phone still support LTE bands?

Can anyone point me to a good "Rooting for Dummies" web page. These Android terms are new to me and at this time seem overwhelming.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Michael in Maine :-\

 

[lavrishevo]

Almost all the bloatware can be disabled via app manager. Yes, LTE will work with custom roms and you can get rid of TouchWiz. You can also install 3rd party launchers like Nova and they work well. The downside to rooting is the problems that arise when an update is released from at&t.