AT&T is looking to make a bit more money. And one of the ways they can do this is by extracting a couple more dollars from you when you upgrade your device. In the first time in ten years, they’re raising the upgrade fee from $18 to $36, effectively doubling your cost. AT&T explains the increase as the cost associated with selecting and activating new equipment stating:
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.
It’s not like it really costs AT&T that much to punch some numbers into your account. You’re the one switching your SIM card to your new device. Although some of this new fee may reflect on AT&T needing new SIM cards for their current and upcoming LTE devices.
The new policy goes into effect on Sunday, Feb 12th, which is tomorrow. So if you’re on the verge of upgrading, you might want to get it done today to save yourself a couple bucks.
