AT&T Raises Activation Fees for Customers Who Sign a Two-Year Agreement

The next time you buy an iPhone with AT&T and sign a two-year agreement, you'll be faced with an increased activation fee. AT&T has decided to raise all activation fees from $36 to $40, a $4 increase. This change comes as many AT&T customers are opting towards financing their device through AT&T's Next program instead of signing a contract.

The changes reportedly went into effect on June 8.

"Customers looking for a great value can get it with AT&T Next and Mobile Share Value plans," AT&T said in a statement. "With AT&T Next, customers can get a new device every year for $0 down, plus no activation, financing or upgrade fees. Customers choosing a 2-year contract plan will experience a four-dollar activation fee increase beginning June 8. Customers on 2-year plans choosing to upgrade to a new device will experience a four-dollar upgrade fee increase beginning June 8."


AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel told FierceWireless that the carrier made the increase because "there are administrative and other costs associated with activating or upgrading a device." He reiterated that the increase "applies only to those on traditional two-year service agreements."

Verizon currently charges a $35 activation fee, and Sprint charges a $36 fee. T-Mobile says that any customer who activates a new Simple Choice plan activation will not incur an activation fee.

Will you be signing a contract with AT&T next time you purchase an iPhone?

via FierceWireless