14 DAY TRIAL // A leaked document shows that AT&T decided to raise the costs for those that are going for an early smartphone upgrade, instead of waiting for their 2-year agreement to end. This seems like the carrier wants to cut out from its losses caused by lots of its customers taking advantage of the early exception upgrades, which had a somewhat affordable cost.
Thanks to the guys over Boy Genius Report, who managed to put their hands on an official AT&T document addressed to its employees, we found that the major carrier will “boost” the price for Early Upgrade pricing for Smartphones considerably.
This will increase from the 2-year price plus $75 to the 2-year price plus $200, that's $125 more expensive.
The official reason behind this: “This change to our exception pricing is necessary to maintain our ability to provide customers with the best selection of devices and maintain our leadership in the Smartphone category.”
The document also mentions an example, as Blackberry Torch can be purchased for $199.99 with 2-year agreement plus $200 Early Upgrade fee, reaches a total price of $399.99.
That is only $100 shorter than the no-commitment price. Until now, AT&T customers could've gotten the Torch for only $275.
Fortunately, the new decision doesn't apply for the iPhone or basic and quick messaging phones, which means only people that are preferring smartphones are subjected to the new prices.
AT&T also states in the document that it will continue to offer smartphones below the no-commitment price if the customer needs a replacement and is not yet eligible for upgrade pricing.
We're not sure when exactly the new system will be implemented, but you might wanna check with your local AT&T store and hurry up, if you need an upgrade before you're eligible for it.
Otherwise you're gonna have to pay a lot more, or be stuck with your smartphone for two full years.
