Copied from:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/9/4711334/at-t-upgrade-pricing-a-ripoff
"I just did some basic math, and figured out that it's actually cheaper to cancel my account
with AT&T and sign up again than it is to "Upgrade".
Let's start with some basic assumptions...
1) The iPhone 5S will come out tomorrow, and the entry level price will be $199
2) AT&T charges $325 early termination fee minus $10 for every month you've had service. Having had the phone for a year, that's a $205 early termination fee.
Scenario #1 - Loyal AT&T customer
I upgrade my iPhone 5 to an iPhone 5S. AT&T quotes this pricing as $445.
Total price: $445
Phone Number: Same number
Scenario #2 - Switcher
I port my number to Verizon. I buy the entry level phone from Verizon for $199, plus the ETF of $205 to AT&T.
Total price: $404
Phone Number: Same number
Scenario #3 - End-Around
I cancel service with AT&T, and pay the ETF of $205. I sign up for a new account with AT&T for $199.
Total Price: $404
Phone Number: I lose the number
So, It appears that AT&T is penalizing users for being loyalty, while making it more desirable to switch carriers.
"
The next comment said that someone explained this to an AT&T rep on their live chat and recieved a $125 discount towards the iphone early upgarde. That brings down $320 which is better than paying $445 but not was good of a discount I was able to get last year ($250).
Im basically going to copy and paste this into the live chat over and over untill I get someone who will give me a discount. Who else is going to try with me?