Generally, you don't trigger a new contract or plan if you don't get a subsidized price on new equipment. You can even upgrade the plan sometimes without losing anything. Go to the closest Verizon store - make sure it's a real Verizon store and not one of their "authorized dealers" - and see what they'll offer. In most cases, they'll try hard to keep you happy. And if you don't get good vibes from the rep who talks to you, walk out and try another store or another day. Just go in with a positive attitude. I've found the Verizon company store reps to be very forthright and have never been misled.
I actually went into a store last winter after my phone died and asked to buy a new one. The rep who talked with us fiddled with the battery and got the old phone working again, and even though he couldn't explain why the phone worked again, wouldn't let me buy a new one. Said I should wait and see if it died again. So far it hasn't. He actually talked ME out of the sale.
al
