iPhone 6 upgrade fees? Carriers range from $0 to $40

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The standard iPhone 6 costs less than $200 when you sign a new, two-year contract with most carriers, according to advertisements. However, some consumers are finding an upgrade fee, and additional monthly charges for data.

Therese Meyenberg called the I-Team shortly after she ordered the iPhone 6 with several questions about additional fees. She's ditching her old iPhone 4 and signing a new, two-year contract with AT&T.

"I waited for this 6 to come out and I am like that's it! I am all exited I hear the camera is great. It is bigger slimmer," she said.

Meyenberg's not just going to be paying the advertised $199. She said because she was on a discounted plan, not under contract, her bill under a new contract will go up by $25 month. Plus there's this text from AT&T saying "fees that will be a onetime charge are the $40 activation fee to activate the phone and a $40 upgrade fee to process the phone"

"It is more than the $200. It is $200 plus $80 plus the taxes plus what you pay monthly for your phone," Meyenberg said. "It is more now and it is adding up."

An AT&T spokesperson said that text may have been a mistake, and no one will pay both an "activation fee" and an "upgrade fee." It's only one or the other depending on if you are getting a new number and phone or just a new phone.

So Meyenberg will still pay a $40 upgrade fee.

"I can see it being $18-20 but $40 is a little ridiculous for me," Meyenberg said.

Verizon Wireless told the I-Team its upgrade fee is $30. Sprint's fee is $36, and according to T-Mobile's website the company has "zero, zip, zilch" upgrade fees.

Meyenberg said she's frustrated because AT&T's fee has gone up. They raised it $4 in June and she says she paid even less several years ago.

"I saw it when it was $18. . . so I am questioning whether I should stay at AT&T ."

ABC7 Eyewitness News I-Team Reporter Jason Knowles called his carrier to ask about his upgrade fee. The spokesperson said the company may be able to waive the fee if he calls back when his bill comes. To get a fee waived, in most cases you need to be a longtime customer or just get the right customer service representative.

Some carriers are also telling customers they made need to increase data plans with the iPhone 6.