[breakmyfootoff]

Have you tried calling Verizon customer service to see what they tell you? I've had almost the complete opposite experience. I also was with Alltel and was told by store reps and Verizon customer service that I could renew and upgrade with no problem at all. I also have a 2 year contract that would be over Sept. 25 2010, but I can pay a 20.00 fee to upgrade to a new 2 year contract after one year. I was told that by store reps and customer service (I called customer service to verify the info because I wasn't sure the store rep was correct since he was an alltel rep before). Customer service confirmed evrything though, and said I could even keep my current plan with the "My Circle" option. I also share a plan with my wife, and they said there would be no changes there, but only the primary line on the account was able to use the early upgrade option.