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Cellular Phones/buying a new cell phone

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Question
I have a cell phone and am on my brother's family plan. So, that means I have unlimited calling, I can text, send photos, emails, etc. My phone has a still camera and video...

BUT...I want a new cell phone...one that is easier to type on and has more video time...larger screen, etc. I don't really want more than that as he will not increase his plan to more than what he already has...which is perfectly understandable.
My question is this...since he will not renegotiate with AT&T, I would have to pay a HUGE price for a new cell phone...retail at least $300 or more...which I do not want to do.
Is there a way to get a nice cell phone and be able to use it with the plan I am on with my brother? Can I get a phone, say on Ebay and use it with his plan?
I hope I am explaining it so you know what I mean. I want a better phone, but at a cheaper price...HA...Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you so much for your expertise...I really appreciate it.
Leslee

Answer
You can buy a SIM unlocked GSM quad band phone and use it with the plan you have today or you can get a refurbished or used AT&T phone and use it with your plan today. The second option is a better one, but either will work. Shouldn't be a problem. I strongly recommend however, that you do not purchase through eBay for this. Get the refurbished phone from AT&T if at all possible. I hope this helps.  

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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