Pay ETF and then upgrade?

[matthewmarino77]

My contract ends on December 26th, but I'd like to give my current iPhone 5 to my brother (for part of his birthday present) now and then buy a new iPhone 6 for me. In order to do that, I would pay the ETF and then sign a new contract. I do not - and I repeat, do NOT - want to join the EDGE program. While I'd prefer to stay with Verizon, nothing is out of the question at this point. If I stayed with Verizon, could I pay the ETF, sign a new deal, and then get a new iPhone?

[Ann154 · Accepted solution]

No. If you cancel your current account, you will lose your phone number. Then when you attempt to start a new account with Verizon Wireless within 60 days of cancellation, they will just reactivate your old account with the same remaining contract time, refund the ETF and give you a new phone number. Basically you can't do what you are suggesting.

[matthewmarino77]

Thanks for that clarification. I spoke with a rep online, and she gave me a different answer, but she likely assumed I would be opening a new line. I misinterpreted the application of the ETF and thought it only applied to the service plan, not the actual phone number. Oh well!