Unlock iPhone6s from AT&T Reseller (H2o)

I have a 6s AT&T phone. I have been using it on a prepaid H2o account. Recently I started the process to move to another provider because the AT&T coverage is poor where we often travel.

A "port out" was performed by H2o so I could take my phone number with me. All was good until I tried to activate the phone on another network at which point I discovered the phone was locked. I used the AT&T unlock portal which told me to talk to my current carrier. I talked to to an AT&T technical support person who said my phone number showed current at H2o. Nothing wrong, just that there was an active account.

Back to H2o, I found out I could not shut down the account because a port had been started but not completed. I asked how long the account would remain active if I didn't refill it when the time came. They said 30 days after the refill was due. Doing the math, that means the phone can't be moved until Sept 5.

I'm not sure why H2o should have a lock in the first place. It's a prepaid account.

Is there any short cut besides waiting until September?