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Your first AT&T bill charges

Learn about the charges listed on your first bill.

Explanation of common first bill charges

Partial month charges
Your first bill includes a charge based on the total days service was active during the current bill period, along with any prorated charges or extra airtime.

Monthly charges billed in advance
Your service is billed in advance each month. Your first bill includes a charge for the next month of service, plus any charges for add-ons.

One-time charges
Your first bill may include charges for installation, equipment, one-time activation fees, or other non-recurring costs.

Usage charges
Wireless usage includes:

  • Talk usage displays all outgoing and incoming phone calls, call time, call length, and type of call (network or Wi-Fi® calling).
  • Text usage shows the phone numbers, type of message sent, and time sent or received if made using the cellular network. Don't see all your texts on your log? Apple® iMessages and Android® Advanced Messaging are sent over Wi-Fi or cellular network and won't show in your text logs. To record all incoming and outgoing texts in your usage log, disable iMessage or Advanced Messaging on your device.
  • Data usage displays the amount of cellular data used.
  • Hotspot usage shows the amount of cellular data used to provide a hotspot.

Installment billing
Installment billing divides some non-recurring charges into equal monthly payments. Taxes and surcharges for these items aren't eligible for installment billing and are charged upfront.

Examples of charges that may be billed in installments include:

  • Equipment
  • Full installation by a technician
  • Service activation fees
  • Wireless TV receiver activation fee


Promotional pricing
Promotional pricing may not be included on your first bill and can take up to two bill periods to appear.

Taxes, surcharges, and other fees
Taxes may apply to charges for products and services on your bill. Specific taxes vary by state and locality. These are charges authorized by law and may include state-specific surcharges or regulatory fees.

  • The Broadcast TV Surcharge helps recover a portion of the amount local broadcasters charge AT&T to carry their channels.
  • Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge recovers certain fees imposed on AT&T by governmental entities specifically related to providing your voice and Internet Protocol TV service.
  • Learn more about taxes and fees that may apply to your bill.

For specific details, please contact us.

Last updated: September 15, 2025

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