lost iphone - AT&T contract question

[ArkiStan]

so the GF lost her iphone today but still has almost a year left on her contract. she didn't have insurance or anything. is there any way for her to get a new iphone without paying the full price for the machine? she staying in her AT&T contract. she went to an AT&T store today and they told her today that she needs to pay the full phone price if she were to buy a new one.

i'm confused because last year another friend conveniently lost his iphone on the day the 3G version came out. he went to the apple store and got the new one for the subsidized price even though he had a year left on his contract. was he just lucky or is there is a way to do it?

[attgig]

they won't do it if they extend the contract an extra 2 years (making it a total of 3 years left on her contract?)

[ArkiStan]

you mean they will offer her the subsidized price as long as she extends her contract 2 extra years? (yes, that would give her 3 years on her contract).

[Jeffbx]

Yes :stupid:


Or just get her a used one off of ebay to use until her contract is up

[bachviet]

you mean they will offer her the subsidized price as long as she extends her contract 2 extra years? (yes, that would give her 3 years on her contract).
No she won't be qualified for an full subsidized price. She could probably get a partial subsidized price if she extends her contract. The new contract will replace the old one so it will restart the 24-month commitment once she signs. New contract does not add to the old one.

[Prngr44]

Another idea, on the new phone, install some tracking software in case you lose your phone... you can always look up where it's currently at if it's powered on.

[DarkFury]

Another idea, on the new phone, install some tracking software in case you lose your phone... you can always look up where it's currently at if it's powered on.
Or pay for the insurance. ;)

[Cubsfan]

Or pay for the insurance. ;)

Sadly they don't offer it on the iPhone.

[nate el bueno]

Of course, no one here should know that :shifty:

[uncledaddy]

Actually, with AT&T, the contract won't even be available for an upgrade until the old contract has about 4-6 month left (I can't remember if it's 4 or 6). At that time, any promotions on the iPhone will be available. During an upgrade or new contract is when discounts on phones with AT&T are available.

I believe. :D

I've been with AT&T/Cingular for almost 9 years and I get an upgrade usually around 4-6 months before the contract ends.

[Chgoman]

You can log into your account online or talk to someone in the store to find out when you are upgrade eligible. My contract is up in October, but I'm eligible for an upgrade in early June. They usually allow it a few months early as they would like to get you committed before your contract actually ends and may go somewhere else.

[jstreet]

To the extent that she's able, try visiting different stores. They tell wildly different stories.

[kame]

craiglist!