Iphone5 visit to Apple Genius Bar after phone would not connect to network. Now phone is stuck in network set-up menu. Suggestions for next steps?

Question

I am experiencing the never-ending searching on my iphone5.  Looking for solution and wanted to share some advice.
I traveled out of the cellular network on 5/24 and turned off my phone.  The phone was turned back on 5/25 when I returned to an area where the phone previously connected to the network.  When the phone began searching for the network I performed the recommended trouble shooting steps, power on/off, reset network.  Once home I took it to the Spring store then to the Apple store.  No connection success.  Although the phone could connect via wi-fi and everything else worked fine the phone would not connect to the cellular network leaving the phone and internet service unavailable. 
I asked  the Apple Genius Bar if their efforts would still allow me to update my phone via the backup information on the icloud.  The answer was yes.  However after all their efforts my phone was returned locked in the set up menu and is continues to search for a network.  I can no longer access a wi-fi connection or other apps on the phone following the factory reset and connecting the phone to the cellular service that work on 5/24.  Any tips are welcome since my phone is currently a paperweight.  Thank you.
DO NOT ATTEMPT A FACTORY RESET or attempt removing/adding your device to existing cellular service unless your phone is under warranty or you are prepared to purchase a new phone.

Answer 1

Sounds like a data issue on the iPhone. What does the carrier say? Sometimes hardware issues can cause the device to show 'searching' continuously.
Basically, if you restore in iTunes, and the service is not activating after calling Sprint, you may be looking at a hardware replacement of the device.