Contact AT&T and see if they sell Pre-Owned phones (Verizon does). If they do, at least they might be willing to add payments to his bill and he can pay for it that way, instead of having to come up with the $$ at one time.

Check Craig's list in your area.. Sometimes people switch carriers and sell their phones.. as I have before. Also I would call AT&T and complain, I have heard they will replace them if you call and complain.. worth a try..

Susan, does he have the insurance on it? If he does, water damage or no, the Iphone insurance that came with ours replaces them anyway. He should only have to pay the deductable. If not, try ebay. AT&T will still have to activate the phone, and he'll probably have to pay that fee, but better than nothing.

Spend some time on composing your story for when you call AT&T, list all of your reasons for unhappiness with your phone, be concise, polite, courteous ... and persistent.

Before you call - try out your story on one of your friends, family, etc. - one who'll pick holes in your argument, offer suggestions, etc.

Maybe you'll get a replacement at no, or minimal, cost.

Then, lacking success, check the other alternatives noted.

ole joyful

"List all of your reasons for unhappiness with your phone, be concise, polite, courteous ... and persistent".

I can't/won't condone lying and I see this as out and out lying! Of course, I'm assuming the son WAS happy with the phone..until he baptized it in the toilet!

The mind will justify what the heart embraces!

They've heard all the lies. Personally I'm more into telling the truth when you can and accepting responsibility for ones own actions. I think it's best to be honest about it and sometimes to keep people around they'll replace it with a refurb or something. Otherwise if you go the used route, be sure the phone has a clean IMEI/ESN # so you can use it. Check Craigslist, pawn shops, phone dealers, Freecycle and ebay. I've gotten some great deals on prepaid phones on ebay. Also put the word out. You might know someone with a phone sitting in a drawer for a year that they haven't tossed yet and would be willing to part with for little or nothing.

Another option is to renew the contract. They usually will give you a phone to lock you in for another couple years.

I don't know if all iPhone plans are the same, but here, when you get a contract, it's always for 3 years. The iPhone 4 has only been out for about a year, so the son probably wouldn't be eligible for a new phone yet (if the rules are the same where he is). Buying a new one is very expensive, possibly about $650. Speaking to the company might help, though. My son recently accidentally dropped his brand new iPad, and he went to the Apple store and told them exactly what he did. They told him the warranty didn't cover damage caused like that, and he said he knew that (we were going to replace it for his birthday present); but when they came out from the back, they just GAVE him a brand new one! Boy was he surprised! My point it, you should always tell the truth, and sometimes you get lucky. Otherwise, the ideas of ebay, and even kijiji are good ideas.

Susan, ours in the States is a 2 year contract. We ahve two of them! DH is elegible for a new one, but hasn't gotten it. Mine is just over 1 y/o.

Again, check with AT&T. Our warrenty covers water damagae.

Has he checked to see when he's eligible for a renewed contract and reduced price for an iPhone. Next month I will qualify and can get an iPhone 4 for $200. Right now the 3GS is selling on EBay for over $200. I think the new iPhone 5 will be out in September.

Bigack..should you and/or your son decide to take the above advice about lying about the phone, you need to know that if you can convince AT&T that he was "unhappy with the phone" and they agree to give him another one...they are going to want his to return the original phone (the one that was baptized in dirty water). All they have to do is open that phone and they will instantly know the phone has been exposed to water.