[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers] OneFineGuy:
I'd love help with some ideas for unlocking a Network Locked Galaxy Note 8 unlocked. I've tried a number of things but so far it as stumped me. But, I'm a novice and so stumping me isn't much of a feat. The questions are below in royal purple.

Here's the details:

* When I insert my Consumer Cellular (USA) SIM card, the phone asks me to enter "Network Unlock Code" (see https://i.imgur.com/0lwNW4y.png)

* Samsung Galaxy Note 8, model SM-N950F

* Stock Android 8.0; Firmware version N950FXXS5SCB4, specific to iusacell in Mexico (select this link for more details)

* From Download screen -- B:5 K:3 S:3 (see this link for an image with more detail)

* This phone was reportedly born on the isuacell network in Mexico

What I've already tried:

* I called Consumer Cellular and got my SIM card PUK # and entered it. It didn't accept it nor did it unlock the phone.

* I purchased this phone used from Amazon Warehouse. It was specifically listed as "unlocked". I called Amazon to ask them why the phone they sold as "unlocked" is apparently not. They didn't have a good answer for me but did report that it was already too late to return the phone.

* I enlisted the services of CanadaUnlocking.com and learned that my phone was originally used on the iusacell network in Mexico

* After a visit with my good friend Google, I learned that iusacell was purchased by AT&T a few years ago. I contacted AT&T and supplied my IMEI #. They said they don't even have that IMEI on record and as such, cannot help me unlock it.

* I then signed up with UnlockBase.com to have them provide an unlock code. A few days later, they kindly refunded my money and reported "we were not able to find the unlock code".

** BTW, UnlockBase.com has excellent customer service. And, the fact that they took the initiative to refund my money makes me believe they are a solid and trustworthy business​

* I was then wondering if maybe my phone had been blacklisted, I then paid doctorSIM for a blacklist report. It came back squeaky clean and no issues noted.

** isuacell network in Mexico was even specifically listed on the report with a green check mark next to it​

* After my botched attempt at root, in order to get back to a stable starting point I flashed the phone with a European flavor of stock Android (meant for the UK and surrounding areas, i.e., CSC was N950FOXM4CRGA, BL was N950FXXU4CRGA)

** I flashed this flavor of stock Android only because it was my best guess as to what the phone was born with. I subsequently learned it's true origins - IUS in Mexico - and have since flashed it to that firmware​

* After the most recent ROM flash, I'm currently about 4 days into waiting for my get-out-of-jail OEM-Unlock so I can begin rooting again

Questions

* If I were to flash it with a stock ROM that was different (i.e., not IUS / Mexico), might that somehow aid in the unlocking process?

** My thought was I could potentially flash it with something that was more "aligned" with USA-based Consumer Cellular, if that would make any difference​

** fyi - Consumer Cellular rents network capacity from AT&T​

* Is there a specific unlocking service that someone can recommend for my situation? (i.e., given that my first attempt with UnlockBase.com wasn't successful)

* Once I get OEM Unlock and root the phone, is it likely that the situation will change and open up additional options for unlocking the phone? If so, I would love it if you would share specifics.

* UnlockBase is suggesting I try their "Cable Unlock Software". Does anyone have experience with having used that?

Why this is embarrassing...

* It's embarrassing because I was so excited to root my new phone that I didn't even think to insert my SIM card and check for network connectivity before starting. Oops!

* It's also embarrassing because I belly-flopped my attempt at rooting it.