ATT Early Upgrade

OK, I've read many conflicting things and heard even more from ATT customer service. I'd like some clarification.

I've had my 2 year contract with ATT for about one year. I'd like to "upgrade" my iPhone for a new or refurb BlackBerry. What are my options with ATT?

I had a pretty frustrating experience a couple months ago. A representative on the phone told me I could do an early upgrade and receive a new phone at new contract pricing + $75 but when I called back I was told by someone else that this wasn't true.

I've read similar things online, too. Anyone had any experience? Any inside knowledge? Possibly something in writing?

Thanks!!

If you pour through AT&T's website, you'll see that early upgrades for smartphones is a renewal of your 2 year contract, 2 year contract price + $200. I think regular phones might be $75 still. Smartphones use to be $75 as well, but I guess that was too cheap....


Anyway, if you are wanting to grab a new BlackBerry, I'd be tempted to buy outright.

Say you grab the 9900 for $549. At launch, you'd expect AT&T to price at $250, so you're only paying $100 more outright. BUT, you've saved your upgrade for QNX/next year.

Your call!

Link:

AT&T's early upgrade smartphone program detailed. Spoiler: they made it $125 more expensive

I did an early upgrade to the white iPhone 4 when it came out and it cost me $450. It's an insane price to pay and I would never do it again but in my defense I had waited so long for that damn thing and I was obsessed with getting it. In retrospect I would have been better off just saving up to buy the darn thing outright at that point.