AT&T will reportedly raise its activation/upgrade fee for customers signing up for a one or two year contract, as well as introducing an activation fee for all AT&T Next and bring your own device customers. The hikes are set to take place on August 1.
According to sources speaking with Droid Life, the new contract upgrade fee will increase from $40 to $45, while the activation cost for Next and BYOP customers will be $15. If true, AT&T will have the highest activation fee amongst its competitors. Other carriers, like Verizon, sit around a $40 upgrade fee cost currently.
The jump in price means AT&T’s “Next” installment plan option will go from a no cost startup option to a $15 activation fee. A similar $15 fee will be charged bring your own phone customers activating a new line of service with the Death Star AT&T.
The report indicates AT&T will grandfather in existing Next customers who have a plan with the carrier prior to August 1, so they won’t be changed the $15 fee for their next upgrade. Of course, that is “subject to change.” So, the carrier could hit Next customers with the fee whenever they decide to. So, be sure to admire Lily’s bedazzled blouse the next time you visit, and maybe she’ll give you a break.
