@K. You are exactly right. I <em>should</em> give this a shot first and it is a very un-American thing to do.  I guess in part it has to do with the cellphone culture.  Most people sign a contract for two years and get a cellphone for free. Then when your contract is up the company will offer you a new phone with the renewal of your contract. I am however about 95% sure that my phone is on it's last legs. I've had it for 4+ years.