AT&T ups smart phone 'early upgrade' fee from $75 to $200

[SBG]

If you're under an AT&T cell phone contract but are dying to upgrade early to the next great smart phone, you now will pay more to get it: $200, as of Oct. 3, up from the previous $75 fee. The change does not apply to the iPhone ? which has its own upgrade plan that tends to vary from customer to customer ? or to AT&T's basic or "quick messaging" phones.

"As smart phones become increasingly more sophisticated, the cost of these devices has also increased," AT&T says on its site. (Hat tip to Boy Genius Report, which first shared the news.)

Like the other major carriers in the United States, AT&T subsidizes the cost of most new phones when customers agree to a two-year contract, and smart phones are among the most expensive to buy. Retail costs are often in the $400 to $600 range for many smart phones without a contract, and about $200 with a contract.

And now that AT&T has not only several BlackBerrys from which to choose, but by the end of the year, eight Android phones, smart phone switch-outs may increase.

AT&T says it will "continue to offer smart phones below the no-commitment price in situations where a customer needs a replacement device and is not yet eligible for upgrade pricing." ("No-commitment price" = full price.)

Here's how it will play out in the real life. Say you want the BlackBerry Torch. If you are a new customer or due for an on-time upgrade, you can get it for $199.99. All you have to do is sign your life away for another two years, and agree to a minimum service plan. However, if you want to step up from your BB Bold, but it's only been a year or so, you'll have to pay an "early upgrade" price of $399.99. And if you don't want a contract at all, the phone will cost you $499.99.



http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news...-200?gt1=43001

[centennialdawg]

My question is this. Why would you want an early upgrade anyway, other than the fact that one thinks the proverbial "grass is always greener on the other side" attitude? Be patient, wait things out.

[89bluedevil]

Cell phone companies give lawyers and used car salesmen a bad name. No offense to any lawyers or used car salesmen on the board.

[red66]

My question is this. Why would you want an early upgrade anyway, other than the fact that one thinks the proverbial "grass is always greener on the other side" attitude? Be patient, wait things out.

With a two year contract I am always ready for a new phone before my contract is up. You see all of the new phones that are so much better than the one you have and want to get it as soon as you can. It also seems that I am not very gentle to my phones and they usually end up breaking or nearly breaking before my contract is up. That is why I like to be able to upgrade early, but I will definitely not pay $200 to do it.

[Rocky]

what makes one phone "better" than the other, i have a 10 dollar track phone that gets better service nationally than my BB curve

[centennialdawg]

The more things you have on a phone, the bigger the chance of it tearing up. One suggestion would be to take better care of your phones. I have had my same phone for 2 years and the ONLY reason I am upgrading is because it cut my current bill with Alltel by about 75 bucks. I have 3 phones on this plan plus a wifi card and will have the same with AT&T. I imagine I will keep it(the new phone) at least two years, but just in case it tears up, I have the insurance.