Andre Yoskowitz
11 Apr 2012 20:04
Verizon has announced today that it will start charging an upgrade fee for users upgrading to new phones.
The carrier was the final "holdout" among the American majors, who each already charge for upgrades.
Verizon will begin charging $30 on April 22nd, more expensive than T-Mobile but cheaper than AT&T and Sprint, who each charge $36.
T-Mobile charges $18, which was the standard until last year when Sprint doubled its fee and AT&T followed suit.
For its part, Verizon says the fees will "continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect." The company also notes that trading in older handsets through Verizon's own trade-in program can help "offset the cost" of the new upgrade fee.