I can tell you right now, that lady is wrong. If you CANCEL your current line, your number is gone, they bill you your last bill plus the ETF. They will then check credit again to open the new line w/ a DIFFERENT number and you will have a $36 activation fee (not $18) unless you have a FAN put on your account that waives this. The only $18 fee there is is an upgrade fee; I think she was confused. If your contract ends in November, your full upgrade should be available in July, which means you MAY be able to get an early upgrade... in the case of the Note, that would be $299.99 + $250 +$18 fee. I think that may be more worth it than ETF + losing number + credit check + $299.99 + $36 activation fee + first month's prorated/advance bill, but only you can make that decision.