Best way for existing AT&T wireless users to get best new phone price

I currently have AT&T Wireless and am out of contract already (I am on month by month).

I was told that I will not be eligible for new phone prices that are only available for new users with new contract (i.e. even without contract, I am still considered by ATT as existing user). I also heard that even if I cancel my service with AT&T and move to other carriers (such as Verizon), I still have to wait for 90 days before ATT will treat me as a new user. Can anyone confirm this is true?

Will the followings allow me to keep my existing ATT number while still take advantage of the new phone prices that are available for new customers at ATT?

1) Keep my current line active (while still Out of contract, OOC)
2) Buy the new desired ATT phone and setup a totally separate account and 2-year contract with a new ATT number (so to take advantage of the new account and new contract pricing).
3) Get a new Tmobile prepaid phone or get a Verizon phone (in 30 day trial period)
4) Port the OOC ATT (my current ATT number that I want to keep) to the Tmobile prepaid phone (or the Verizon line) and cancel the current ATT OOC line at the same time
5) Port the number from Tmobile or Verizon back to new ATT line/phone
6) Return and cancel the Verizon line

Anyone has done this in the past? Thanks.

I am having the same problem. AT&T told me if I can buy a phone from Amazon and get a better rate.

I am also an existing AT&T Wireless customer; my contract period is over (i.e. I am under no obligations). I want to get Samsung Eternity phone from AT&T but with a difference: I want to also get a new number. I wish to close my existing AT&T account and simultaneously open a new AT&T account (via wirefly which gives me my phone for free and activation fee waived till 08/26) - is this possible? Does the 90-day rule apply? How to circumvent this 90-day rule? Any ideas? Please advise!

Has any of you talked with the retentions dept? They can cut deals with you if you're a good customer and is no longer on contract.