Maybe I've found a solution to the bonus question too. Did a search and found that this problem has been around for a long time (e.g., found a 2012 question from someone with a Droid2 having the same issue). Apparently the problem can be triggered by a System Update, and, fixed by turning off the "Sound When Roaming". I'm not roaming when the problem happens, but I get weak Verizon signal at my home, so I think my phone is celebrating that I'm back in the welcoming arms of the Verizon network with the announcement "Verizon network." If I were somewhere where I was worried about roaming charges, I'd like more nuanced warning system than just having the name of whatever network my phone is picking up be announced out loud.
tikibar1 Apr 1, 2017 7:45 AM (in response to easlingn)
Sometimes settings get changed when phones are updated; has your phone received a recent update? The exact path may be different, but have you gone to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Sound When Roaming and ensured it's off?