Verizon Wireless Adding $20 Upgrade Fee
According to a leaked memo published by MacRumors, Verizon Wireless is instituting a $20 flat rate upgrade fee for customers upgrading to a new iPhone or other smartphone in order to cover support costs. Starting 4 April 2016, the charge will be applied to new smartphones purchased on a Device Payment financing plan or at full retail price, and even to customers taking advantage of Apple’s iPhone Upgrade program. AT&T and Sprint, but not T-Mobile, have similar upgrade fees.
Does this only apply to non-smart phone to smart phone upgrades, or to any change whatsoever? I have an iPhone 5S and am out of contract. I shouldn't have to pay a fee if I provide another similar phone, like an SE or a 6S.
From what I can tell, it applies to any smartphone upgrade, sorry.
It says it DOESN'T apply to "user provided equipment" so if you just buy the new phone outright and then later add it as a replacement, there shouldn't be a fee. It would be the same as if you had lost your phone but had a spare one laying around and activated it as a replacement. I wasn't charged a fee by AT&T when I was in the latter situation.