Will AT&T let me take another AT&T contract ?

[Sweetamigo]

Hi, first time poster but i have been reading the boards for a couple of months now.

I have been an AT&T customer for 6 years now, but have not been under contract for over a year ( i bought my storm and unlocked, i don't see how their is so much hate for the storm 1). But i recently decided to get the torch or another phone, but in order to avoid a full two year contract agreement or paying for the phone i thought maybe i could use one of the many online services that let you take over someone's contract. I stopped by a local att store and asked a rep if i could do this, but i was informed that I could not do this...and if i did i lose my number.
Can this be right ?.... because if that's the case i might just switch carriers.

[Totalimmortal363]

If you take over someones contract, their number becomes part of your account. Your number, nor theirs, goes away. You would, in effect, have a family plan.

Just upgrade like the rest of us, get a phone and be done with it.

[Sweetamigo]

Thanks for the reply. Does that mean i could have to lines on my account but would only be able to remove my own line ( the one no longer on contract ) ?. I know its far my convenient to upgrade, but i am very hesitant to do it because i may end up moving to Portugal in 2012, so i figured i get get a contract that had less then 20 months on it.

[mark_rivers19]

seems adding a line which is $9 is the only option you have..
or you can buy the phone off contract..
saves you the time and the hassle

[Totalimmortal363]

Originally Posted by Sweetamigo

Thanks for the reply. Does that mean i could have to lines on my account but would only be able to remove my own line ( the one no longer on contract ) ?. I know its far my convenient to upgrade, but i am very hesitant to do it because i may end up moving to Portugal in 2012, so i figured i get get a contract that had less then 20 months on it.

If I am on the same page, then yes, you could cancel your # and take over the other. You WOULD lose your # though.

[mark_rivers19]

losing your number ( that most of your friends and colleauges) know is a BIG compromise for me..
i would gladly shed some cash for an outright no commitment price for aNY phone whether it's an iphone 4 or Droid or a Torch just to keep the number.

[Sweetamigo]

Thanks guys, Well i took a risk and went ahead and upgraded, I got the 9800 through amazon. It has not arrived yet it, but i am sure i will love it. hopefully the two year contract won't bite me in the ****.