AT&T is increasing its monthly fees for postpaid subscribers starting December 1st.

The Administrative & Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee helps AT&T recoup expenses related to certain government fees and the costs of complying with regulations. These regulations pertain to wireless tower mandates, state consumer privacy laws, public rights-of-way acquisition, and federal privacy mandates.

AT&T states on its website's Mobility Fee Schedule that this fee is not a government-mandated tax or charge. It may include total costs from previous years that have not yet been fully recovered. AT&T said that it routinely assesses and adjusts fees to offset the costs of running and maintaining its wireless network, allowing it to invest in its network and technology.

AT&T provides a way for customers to offset the increased fees. Customers can receive a $10 monthly discount by enrolling in both Autopay and Paperless Billing with an eligible bank account. Using a debit card for this option entitles customers to a $5 discount.

Rivals also have similar fees under different names. Verizon's "Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge" costs subscribers $3.50 monthly per voice line, including a 20-cent increase from the previous year. T-Mobile recently raised its "Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fee" from $3.49 to $3.99 in April.

In addition to raising the Administrative & Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee by $5 monthly for each voice line, AT&T recently increased the cost of its AT&T FirstNet network for first responders from $45 to $48 per month. A "Bill Reprint Fee" will also be charged to those requesting an extra paper bill each month. This will consist of a $5 charge plus 10 cents for each page over 100.

An $8 "Late Payment Fee" is applied to AT&T customers who do not pay their bill on time. Early plan termination fees range from $58 to $325 for customers with one or two-year contracts. The fee depends on the time remaining on the contract when it is canceled.

Customers face these recurring monthly charges: the AT&T Administrative & Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee, Federal Universal Service Fee, State Universal Service Fee, and state and local cost recovery fees. Other fees include the Activation/Upgrade Fee, Bill Reprint Fee, Early Termination Fee, Equipment Restocking Fee, Late Payment Fee, Returned Payment Fee, Number Change Fee, Payment Convenience Fee, Restoral Fee, Replacement SIM Fee, and Pay-Per Use Fees.

AT&T's third-quarter earnings included 405,000 net postpaid phone additions, surpassing analysts' forecast of 334,100. Postpaid phone churn rose year-over-year from .78% to .92% as more subscribers left for other carriers.

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