AT&T Raising Upgrade Fees to $45, Will Add $15 Activation Fee to Next and BYOD Customers on August 1

According to news outlets, AT&T will raise its activation/upgrade fees for customers when signing one and two-year contracts, but also add-on an activation fee for AT&T Next and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) customers, starting August 1.

The new activation/upgrade fee for one and two-year agreements is raising from $40 to $45, which gives AT&T the highest activation fee in the industry (Verizon is still at $40 for now). Going forward after August 1, should you choose to sign-up for a new contract to receive a discounted phone, you will pay $5 more than you used to.

In related news, AT&T Next will no longer be a zero-out-of-pocket installment plan. Come August 1, customers who are new to AT&T Next will have to pay a $15 activation fee when they pick up a new phone. This $15 fee also applies to those who bring their own device (BYOD) and sign-up for a new line of service.

Current AT&T Next customers who have an active installment plan prior to August 1 will not be charged the $15 fee on their next upgrade. AT&T has said that this “waiver” is subject to change. In other words, you may not have to pay the $15 fee at your next upgrade, but don’t be surprised if you have to after that.

It’s now July 23, so if you need to upgrade, now would be the time.