Well, I never really gave it much thought until recently.  I know my past phones have removed the 4G icon when mobile data is off.  Thing is, I have noticed slight mobile data use while mobile data is turned off.  I suppose it is a reassurance that mobile data is really off if the icon is gone. I also note that the signal strenth in the notification bar represents the 4G strength, which, if turned off, shouldn't be measuring anything.  IOW, the signal strength indicator does not reference the cellular voice stream.  Now, I know that to send SMS data is part of the process, but even back in 3G days one could send text with data off.  MMS is of course another story. Petty stuff perhaps, but on a 1 GB plan, every little bit helps.  I know the G2 has a lot of features that were removed in the VZW version as far as settings and software are concerned.  This could just be some other locked down aspect.