You can actually turn off the 4G on your phone without an app.  Go to settings/wireless & networks/go into Mobile Networks /Network Mode/Change to CDMA only.  I have just switched this to turn off the 4G and I was actually able to open facebook quickly for the first time in about a month.  So probably not phone but Verizon's 4G network that is causing the issues.  All my apps seem to be working better, not as fast but at least not saying there is no connection now.  Thanks for the thought.