Question about replacing a damaged phone

[karma]

I'm sure this is an easy answer, but I don't know much when it comes to the providers and what the policies are.

So, my 3GS got water damaged a little over a month ago. Long story short, I sent it out to a repair shop to see if it could be salvaged and now it's not detecting my SIM card (even bought another new official card) and is stuck on the emergency call screen. Plus, the backlight is still fucked amongst other things. I think it's time to call it quits for the 3GS.

I'm eligible for a full discounted upgrade on November 3rd...so I was thinking...would I be able to get a 3G off eBay and use that for the time being until the upgrade date rolls around, in which case I would upgrade to the iPhone 5? Or would I have to contact AT&T and tell them about switching to the 3G and in which case I'll lose the November upgrade date?

I just need a working phone right now...been over a month since I have had one. I'd like to at least have an iPhone 4, but since I'm not eligible for an upgrade until November, it would cost $468 to get one now and I just can't justify that right now.

[Hollywood]

Buy the cheap 3G off of ebay put your sim in and done. Why would you lose your upgrade, your not getting the phone from your provider.

[karma]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I just wasn't sure if AT&T would somehow find out I switched phones and I'd lose the upgrade. I knew it was a dumb question, but I'm clueless when it comes to shit like that

Thanks for the quick reply

One more question: Say my SIM somehow got damaged by the water, would I be able to use a new official SIM instead? I don't think it was damaged, seeing as how it and the phone were still working after the water damage...but now since iTunes isn't detecting it, I'm not sure. I bought a new/unused official SIM and it's also saying that's not detected so I'm sure it's just the phone.

[Hollywood]

Even if the sim was damaged (not likely though) I think AT&T would provide you with a new one because you have a contract with them.

The only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask.

[karma]

Ok sounds good, thanks again man.