AT&T reduces the price of its smartphones but keeps increasing fees in other ways. The handset upgrade fee will be increase from $18.00 to $36.00 beginning this Sunday, February 12.
AT&T claims the increase in cost is because of overall the costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased.
In a memo to dealers AT&T pointed out the talking points of the new fee to be:
- The upgrade fee is for costs associated with selecting and activating your new equipment.
- Additionally, there is no change in your equipment exchange option.
- Once we have selected all of your services and equipment, I'll be sure to cover what you expect on your next bill.
AT&T confirmed the increased cost in an email:
"Wireless devices today are more sophisticated than ever before. And because of that, the costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased and is reflected in our new upgrade fee. This fee isn’t unique to AT&T and this is the first time we’re changing it in nearly 10 years.”
Some believe the increased fee is before the launch of the super Samsung Galaxy Note that will launch on February 19 and appeared in a Super Bowl ad.
AT&T recently increased it data plans while offering promotions for a 1 cent red HTC Inspire 4G . It also throttles the heaviest data users.