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1)You are ONLY charged an "activation" fee if you are opening a new account or adding a new line. You are NOT charged an "activation" fee for anything else.
2)Changing phones does not have an "activation" fee associated with it. You can change phones as often as you like WITHOUT being charged an "activation" fee.
3)Possibly you are thinking of an "upgrade" fee. This is ONLY charged if you are already a customer and purchase a discounted phone in exchange for signing a new 2 yr contract. This is basically a "contract origination fee". You are NOT charged an "upgrade" fee if you make a phone purchase via Edge or pay full retail for the phone. ONLY if you sign a 2 yr service contract.
4)A simple way to avoid an "upgrade" fee is to purchase your phone via Edge or pay full retail for your phone. In either instance, it may very well be a cheaper way to make the purchase of your phone.