‘AT&T Next’ plan lets customers get new device a year
AT&T launched “Next,” which lets customers trade up their devices every year. (Credit: Carlos Anguita)
Wireless carrier AT&T unveiled Tuesday its new AT&T Next plan, which beginning July 26, will allow consumers to get a new smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment, no activation fee, no upgrade fee and no financing fees.
With AT&T Next, customers agree to pay monthly installments for the device. After 12 payments, they can trade it in and upgrade to a brand new device — again with no down payment — or they can keep using their device and have no more payments after 20 months. AT&T Next is available for new AT&T customers or existing customers who are upgrade eligible.
“With AT&T Next, customers can get the newest smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment. That’s hard to beat, and it’s an incredible value for customers who want the latest and greatest every year,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility.
AT&T Next is available for any current smartphone or tablet its portfolio. The interest-free monthly device installments range from $15 to $50, depending on the device selected.
In addition to AT&T Next, customers continue to have their choice of all current options, including getting a discounted device with a two-year service commitment; paying full retail price for a device with no-commitment; getting a partial discount for an early upgrade after six months with a two-year service commitment; or bringing their own compatible device.
On Tuesday, industry insiders agreed that AT&T’s strategy was its response to competitor T-Mobile’s “Jump” fee overhaul unveiled late last week for the U.S. mainland market.
