If your elgible for contract, then no matter where you go to get your new phone (at&t website, customer service, at&t corporate store, or at&t authorized dealer) , you will always get it cheaper. They only reason they will make you change your number is if you decide to add a new line to qualify for a contract upgrade. However, its totally your choice.They can't make you add a line.
So what you should do is go online and look around at phones or go to a store and then figure out what you like when your ready to upgrade. Then call at&t customer service by dialing 6-11 from your at&t phone, and an at&t rep. will complete the upgrade for you. They will always check to see if you are elgible for a contract upgrade before they tell you how much its going to cost you. So if your in doubt, feel free to ask anyway if you can get the phone under a new contract agreement
Hope this helps
So what you should do is go online and look around at phones or go to a store and then figure out what you like when your ready to upgrade. Then call at&t customer service by dialing 6-11 from your at&t phone, and an at&t rep. will complete the upgrade for you. They will always check to see if you are elgible for a contract upgrade before they tell you how much its going to cost you. So if your in doubt, feel free to ask anyway if you can get the phone under a new contract agreement
Hope this helps