Verizon Wireless announced today that, beginning April 22, customers looking to upgrade their device with a new two-year agreement will have to pay a $30 fee on top of the cost of the handset at the contract price. The upgrade fee will apply to customers who wish to upgrade their device at the lower two-year agreement price while still in their current two-year agreement.
With smartphones rapidly upgrading – there seems to be a bigger and better smartphone every month – more customers are upgrading their devices before the end of their current contract. It was only a matter of time before Verizon assessed an upgrade fee.
The official announcement from Verizon Wireless stated:
“On April 22, Verizon Wireless is implementing a $30 upgrade fee for existing customers purchasing new mobile equipment at a discounted price with a two-year contract. This fee will help us continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect which includes Wireless Workshops, online educational tools, and consultations with experts who provide advice and guidance on devices that are more sophisticated than ever.”
Verizon is not the only carrier to charge this fee. AT&T charges their customers a $36 upgrade fee when upgrading their equipment during a current two-year agreement.
