I believe you may be incorrect about band 17 support on Verizon phones.
I just got done with a lengthy chat session with a tech from Samsung and they assured me that all phones
shipped to different carriers are identical. There is nothing different with phone sent to Verizon than one sent to AT&T.
They told me that once a phone is unlocked and the sim card from the other carrier is installed.
Here is my conversation with their tech:
Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond.
Chat InformationYou are now chatting with 'Alwin'. There will be a brief survey at the end of our chat to share feedback on my performance today.
Chat InformationYour Issue ID for this chat is LTK1125604615243X
Alwin: Hi, thank you for contacting Samsung Technical Support. How may I help you today?
Tom: I have a question about bringing my Verizon phone over to a diffrent carrier
Alwin: I understand that you are trying to unlock your device to use with different carriers, is that correct?
Tom: no
Tom: Hello, I am currently considering switching from Verizon to AT&T. I have been doing some research online and from what I have been reading, it is apparent that my Verizon phone won't be compatible with AT&T when it comes to 4G LTE service because AT&T's primary radio frequency is 17 while Verizon uses 13 as its primary freq.. I also read that Samsung ships their phones to Verizon without 17 programmed into the phone. Is this correct?
Alwin: Thank you for correcting me.
Tom: My phone is the Galaxy s6
Alwin: I should inform you that we can use the devices with the frequencies of other carriers once we unlock it from the carrier or origin.
Alwin: I mean, once the device got unlocked it can accept multiple frequencies to use the device with.
Alwin: Have you tried to contact Verizon support and check if they can provide you an unlocked device to use with different carriers which have multiple frequencies?
Tom: I realize that. My concern is that even unlocked LGE frequency 17 is not available on a Verizon phone because it is not shipped to them with this frequency programmed into it...
Tom: Verizon phones come unlocked right out of the box
Tom: There is no need to unlock it
Alwin: I should inform you that all the Samsnung devices shipped to the carrier are same and the usage of the frequency depends on the carrier.
Alwin: The frequency difference comes with the carrier of the device, but not with the devices.
Tom: Okay, so what you are telling me is that no matter which carrier you ship to, they are all identical when it comes to frequencies that can be received?
Alwin: All the devices shipped to Verizon will be same and we do not have any seperate devices to use with different carriers.
Alwin: I mean, any carrier you use on the unlocked devices will be activated with the frequency bands of that SIM card you are using on the device.
Alwin: If you wish, I can also provide you the contact information of our unlocked devices support number and they may provide you complete details.
Alwin: Shall I go ahead?
Tom: One more question before you give me that...
Alwin: Sure, go ahead.
Tom: So I am to understand that the SIM card sets the frequency to be received?
Alwin: Yes, once after unlocking the device.
Tom: In that, a phone you provide to Verizon is identical to one that you send to AT&T.
Tom: Reception for each carrier is dictated from the SIM card
Alwin: Yes, they are same if once they are unlocked.
Alwin: You can get the complete information by contacting our dedicated support team.
Tom: ok I will call the support number and ask them just a few more questions....I appreciate your help
Alwin: We do have dedicated support for the unlocked devices information. You can reach them by calling at: 1-800-Samsung (1-800-726-7864) any day between 9 am to 9 pm, EST.
Alwin: I appreciate your understanding, Tom.
Alwin: May I help you with anything else?
Tom: Tat will be all thank you very much
Alwin: It was my pleasure assisting you.
Tom: that...
Alwin: Have a great day, Tom!
Tom: you too
Alwin: Thank you.
Chat InformationChat session has been terminated by the Samsung Agent.