Lost in Massachusetts

I lost my T-Moble phone. They suspended my account for 30 days to give me a chance to find it. I have 10 days left and never found the phone. They want $150 (includes 'partial upgrade discount') to buy the same phone from them. I would like to look elsewhere (Ebay, etc.) to see if I can find one cheaper. Will I be able to purchase a new phone from somewhere other than T-Mobile and be able to keep my same phone number? I chatted with T-Mobile but they only could tell me that they can't guarantee that a phone purchased elsewhere would work. I think they just want my $$.
Also, since I lost my SIM card with the old phone, what do I do about a new SIM card?

gwan

SURE! do not believe tmobil man.

cookiemonster0439

You can purchase a phone off ebay......just make sure it doesnt say broken or water damaged......tmobile says that you make you have to buy another phone from them......you can buy a prepaid phone from walmarts, walgreens, local gastations and use that sims card it is all the same or you can go to the store and they will sell you one