Jan 09, 2017 03:01 AM EST By Pretty Abegail Pacilan, UniversityHerald Reporter

While everyone is enjoying looking at the latest technologies and new smartphones offerings at CES last week, Verizon has also thought of increasing its upgrade fees. A customer will now have to pay an extra $10 for an upgrade fee every time he purchases a phone, which was introduced last year at $20 for device payment plans or full retail purchases.

The $30 upgrade fee seemed to be the only option left for customers as it wipes out with finality its $40 upgrade fee for those buying phones on a 2-year contract, Droid Life reported. Verizon's move to fully eliminate two-year contracts comes on the heels of T-Mobile's "Un-carrier Next" announcement, aimed at eliminating some of the worst customer pain points in wireless today.

The source emphasized that even to existing customers a 2-year contract is no longer an option, they will be transitioned to device payment plans as their contracts expires, Mac Rumors reported. These contract upgrade options are also no longer available at Verizon stores and other partner stores, including Apple retail stores.

Should the customer changed its mind about the purchase, he or she is urged to return the device within 14 days of the date of purchase and the upgrade fee will be refunded. There is a $35 restocking fee for each returned device.

Sources added that Verizon device payment plans for the iPhone7 starts at $27.08 per month, while plans for iPhone 7 Plus starts at $32.08 per month. Data plans are also offered from 2GB for $35 per month to 24GB for $110 per month, with a$20 access fee for smartphones.

Those who wonder if their phones are eligible for upgrade, Verizon advised to visit their Upgrade Eligibility page, which would require them to enter their mobile number and email address so it can verify if their device is eligible for upgrade or not. The upgrade also allows transfer of upgrade device.

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