What is the difference between and activation fee and upgrade fee

[Tom146]

What is the difference between and activation fee and upgrade fee

[tikibar1]

We charge a one-time $35 fee any time you activate or upgrade a mobile device on the Verizon network. This fee applies regardless of the device type, since each device is set up individually:

• The activation fee is a one-time charge for activating a new line of service on the Verizon network.
• The upgrade fee is a one-time charge for changing to a new device on the Verizon network. This fee is refunded if you return the device within 30 days of the date of purchase.

From  What is the device upgrade fee? Is it the same as the device activation fee? 

[Doggo]

No matter what PR spin is put on it, it's the same fee with a different name based on what you did.

[vzw_customer_support]

Tom146, you can learn more at the link here: http://spr.ly/6607yYqCX under the section "Upgrade fee, order status and billing" Question #1.

The activation fee is a one-time charge for activating a new line of service on the Verizon network.

The upgrade fee is a one-time charge for changing to a new device on the Verizon network. This fee is refunded if you return the device within 30 days of the date of purchase.

Does this help answer your question?

AlanS_VZW

[ddobluis]

What kind of incentive does Verizon have to keep customers?  They used to give discounts to upgrade to a new phone back in the days (no new line, or additional line required), plus fee choice of accessories.  Now it is as if they don't want to keep their own customers with an upgrade fee.  What is my incentive to upgrade now?  So you can charge me?  Even if I decide to get the same model phone, technically not an upgrade, but still charge $35?  I've had Verizon since 1994 and don't know why I stuck around for so long.