What kind of phone do you have now? I was a Telus sales rep for a little over two years so know their system pretty well.
When judging whether or not to give you a new contract, they basically use:
1) how long you've been a Telus mobility customer;
2) how big are your bills; and
3) how good you are at paying your bills
as the criteria for deciding to give an early renewal or not. Obviously if you are only spending 40 bucks a month it doesnt really make sense for them to give you a brand new $300 phone if they have you under contract for another year and a half.
All customers with 6 months or less are guaranteed to get "early renewals". You can get one earlier if you are persistent and meet the standards using the above criteria. Otherwise, the refurbs or pay and talk kits are always the best way to go.
Future shop and Best Buy have:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN for 69.99
Keep in mind the phone only has to last a year. Then you will be eligible for a new contract.