that is a verizon wireless phone...its the same phone that I currently have. my phone just broke. I heard Verizon will
activate it for me without a charge. Is that true? Will I have to extend my contract? I'm trying to avoid extending my contract with them.

noo impact on your contract.
they will try to charge you $20 activation.
Tell them you tried to do it on the Verizon web page and it would not work. They will waive the fee then.
Used to work there and did this all the time for people