My Orange/EE contract has ended and I'm now eligible for an upgrade. However all the upgrades on the EE website are more expensive than my current contract and require money up front for a new phone. Is it still possible to do things the old way and stay on my existing contract and get a new 'free' phone? Or is this the way EE now operates and the time has come for me to take my business elsewhere?

Ring them up and ask them what deals they can do for you. Make sure you know what you get now and what you want in terms of a phone/tariff. Doesn't hurt to ask for more than what you have now.

For reference, what do you pay for now?

£20 a month for unlimited calls and texts and I forget offhand how much data. I know the deal I currently have is better than any of the upgrades I'm allowed on the EE website. I assume it's deliberately arranged this way in an attempt to force those like myself on cushy Orange contracts to go for more expensive EE contracts instead. I'd leave things alone if I didn't have such a shitty phone!

I guess I'll have to brave ringing customer service.

Good luck haha!

It is worth having a look at other network pricing using a comparison website such as Uswitch or Omio to see what they offer and see if EE on the phone can offer anything that comes close.

Also worth looking at other options as well such as SIM Only and keeping your current handset/buying a new handset.

You could always buy a phone outright, e.g. Moto G 4G (from say Amazon or other website) and move your SIM across.

You should move to EE if you want 4G, or much easier roaming data options, or iPhone visual voicemail