AT&T is one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States, providing mobile phone and data services to millions of customers. If you`re an AT&T customer, you may be familiar with the carrier`s Next program, which allows you to upgrade your phone every year or two, depending on the plan you choose. However, if you decide to terminate your Next contract early, you may be subject to termination fees. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at AT&T`s Next program and the associated fees.

What is AT&T Next?

AT&T Next is a program that allows customers to upgrade their phone every year or two, depending on the plan they choose. Under the program, customers pay a monthly fee for their phone, which is spread out over the course of 24 or 30 months. At the end of the contract period, customers can either turn in their phone and upgrade to a new one, or pay off the remaining balance of their phone to own it outright.

What is the AT&T Next contract termination fee?

If you decide to terminate your AT&T Next contract early, you may be subject to a termination fee. The amount of the fee depends on how far into your contract you are and how much you owe on your phone. Specifically, the fee is calculated by taking the remaining balance of your phone and multiplying it by the percentage of the contract term that you have not yet completed. For example, if you terminate your contract halfway through a 24-month plan and you owe $600 on your phone, your fee would be $300 (50% of $600).

It`s worth noting that the termination fee is separate from any other fees you may incur, such as activation fees or taxes. Additionally, if you terminate your contract early, you will need to return your phone in good condition to avoid additional fees.

How can I avoid the AT&T Next contract termination fee?

The best way to avoid the AT&T Next contract termination fee is to stick to your contract until the end. However, if you do need to terminate your contract early, there are a few options that may help you avoid the fee:

1. Trade in your phone: If you`re looking to upgrade to a new phone, you may be able to trade in your current phone to reduce the amount you owe on your next phone. This will reduce the termination fee you would need to pay if you terminate your contract early.

2. Pay off your phone: If you have the funds to do so, you can pay off the remaining balance of your phone to own it outright. This will eliminate the termination fee altogether.

3. Switch to a different carrier: While this may not be an option for everyone, switching to a different carrier may be a way to avoid the termination fee if you`re unhappy with AT&T`s service.

In conclusion, the AT&T Next program is a great option for customers who want to upgrade their phone frequently. However, if you do need to terminate your contract early, be prepared to pay a termination fee. By understanding how the fee is calculated and exploring your options for avoiding it, you can make an informed decision about whether to terminate your contract or stick it out until the end.