Wireless devices today are more sophisticated than ever before. And because of that, the costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased and is reflected in our new upgrade fee. This fee isn't unique to AT&T and this is the first time we're changing it in nearly 10 years.

What do you do after reporting "blow-out" earnings and instituting larger, pricier , data plans? If you're AT&T, why not go for the jugular by doubling upgrade fees? Per the above leaked memo, that's exactly what Ma Bell plans to do come February 12th, upping the existing $18 fee to a new high of $36. That might sound familiar, as it's much in the same vein as cross-town rival Sprint , who went through the same kerfuffle back in September . We've pinged AT&T about the price hike and will update when we hear back.AT&T sent us the following statement confirming the increase:[Thanks, Anonymous]