AT&T has a new early upgrade program for customers on an installment plan that will allow them to trade in their phones up to three times a year.
The "Next Up Anytime" plan allows you to change your device up to three times per year for an extra $10 per month.
The plan launches on July 16 and replaces AT&T's current Next Up plan, which is $6 a month and lets customers trade in and upgrade their device as soon as they’ve paid off half of it. Those who already have Next Up will be able to keep it, but it won't be available for new customers.
With Next Up Anytime, customers can trade in their device after 33% of it has been paid off. They can swap the phone beforehand, but they won’t be able to take advantage of any upgrade promotions and will pay full price for their new device.
It may be a good time for longtime AT&T customers to review their plan options. Starting in August, AT&T customers on one of AT&T’s retired unlimited plans will see an increase of $10 on accounts with a single line of service and $20 on accounts with multiple lines. That comes with more high-speed data and hotspot data, but you may do better to switch to another plan.