Where can I purchase a new cell phone only - I already have a contract with...

[suegy1]

...Verizon Wireless.? I cannot purchase a phone from Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless, according to them. I have their new every 2 plan and got a new phone last year that I thought was a replacement for one that wasn't working properly, but they tagged it as an upgrade and won't allow me to just buy a phone from them.

[swirlgoddess]

There are tons of places to buy phones outright! I worked for a cell phone company for two years and in it I learned alot of tricks of the trade in that business. First off you should find out what type of requirments a phone would need to work off their digital signal. I believe they are CDMA Tri-Mode digital, but you'll want to ask to be sure. Ebay, and a tone of other sites sell them, you could also go to another cell phone company and buy one outright. But first I would suggest calling up a manager at Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and making sure that what they told you is correct. Where I worked always allowed people the option of buying a phone outright.

[Tom Joad]

Ask at the big stores like Best Buy and Circuit City - be sure to tell them you already have a service contract, just want a phone. Still, I'm not sure that you won't run into a snag somewhere - if Verizon (NYSE: VZ) insists you use a phone you don't want to use, your number will still be on that phone.

Have you asked Verizon what it would cost to buy out the rest of your two-year? Not that you should do it, just be good to know.

I'm having a hard time believing that Verizon doesn't want to sell you a phone. Have you tried a different Verizon store?

Final suggestion - call your local news station that does one of those consumer-watch services. Let them take on Verizon, if you can convince them that you're in the right.

[robbie0517]

Verizon Wireless has an early upgrade policy for customers on $79.99 or higher calling plans. If your plan meets this guideline and it has been at least 1 year since your last upgrade, then do that. If you do not meet this criteria, and have other lines on your account, see if any of the others qualify for an upgrade. If so, upgrade one of them then use the phone for yourself. Another option is to add a line of service to your account for $9.99/month on a family shareplan if you have anyone that you would be willing to add. Get the new phone for the new line then switch. If these options don't work, your best bet is EBay. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless will not prevent you from buying a phone from them at full retail price, but Ebay is a better option as this will save you lots of money.

[SteadfastOne]

Search e-Bay. You probably can find a good phone which is already a Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless phone at a significantly lower cost than retail. Be sure to only purchase from someone with a good rating so you don't get cheated.