What is AT&T activation fee?

Posted on: 13 Aug 2024
What is AT&T activation fee?

The AT&T activation fee is a one-time charge that is charged when a new line of wireless service is established or a new device is added to the existing line. The activation fee is useful in ensuring that AT&T Internet recovers some of the costs that it has to incur during the process of activating new lines of service.

AT&T Activation Fee: What Is It?

The AT&T activation fee helps the company cover expenses related to.

  • Considering your service order and your request for a new phone number or new device
  • How to set network services and features for your line
  • Carrying out essential background credit checks and verifying your account details
  • Paying for some of the overhead expenses concerning the initiation of every new line

How Much Does It Cost to Activate AT&T?

At this time, AT&T has a $25 per line activation fee when activating or upgrading any service. Here are some examples of common scenarios when the fee applies.

  • Creating a new number and linking it to a new service line for a new phone or other device
  • Registering a new tablet, smartwatch, or any other connected device to your account
  • Purchasing a new phone using your current line once your contract or installment plan is over
  • Beginning new service after moving from another carrier to AT&T

The activation fee is for each device so if you are activating new devices, you will be charged $25 for each device you want to activate.

What are Some of the Special Considerations when it Comes to the Activation Fee?

In some cases, AT&T may waive the activation fee.

  • AT&T has some rules that state that when you switch to AT&T from an eligible competitor’s plan
  • If you are eligible for account fee exemptions because of military service or other reasons
  • Once in a while, when the activation fees are being offered on an ‘as you please’ basis
  • For AT&T PREPAID service in some instances

However, most new device activations and upgrades require a customer to pay a $25 activation fee. In most cases, AT&T will not waive this fee unless you are eligible for a particular promotion or exception.

When is the Activation Fee Charged?

Usually, you will be billed the one-time activation fee upon the finalization of the order for a new service or an upgrade. Generally, it should be visible within the first one to two billing cycles after activating or upgrading your particular gadget.

If you buy online or through the operator, the $25 charge will be reflected on your bill statement for the next month. In the store, if you decide to activate your phone then AT&T expects you to pay for the service fee before you can walk out with the new phone.

What Is the Best Way Not to Be Charged the AT&T Activation Fee?

The only way to ensure that a person does not pay an AT&T activation fee is to refrain from starting up other devices or services with the telecommunications company. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize activation charges if you need new devices.

1. Time required for all these necessary upgrades and activations to occur at the same time. This implies that when you trigger the set devices simultaneously, you will only be charged the fee once and not per device.

2. There are also occasional offers by providers where the activation fees can be waived and this can be capitalized on.

3. Also, enquire if any account fees would apply to you such as the waiver of the activation fee.

Despite this frustration, always remember that a small one-time fee at AT&T is used for essential set-up costs each time you begin a new service or renew equipment on your account. This type of fee is normal across the entire wireless industry, as are the majority of other fees that companies attempt to avoid public scrutiny. But at $25 per device, AT&T’s fee is still significantly competitive compared to other providers out there.

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