So I did the eligibility check and it said that I would have to pay a $250 fee if I upgrade before May 6th, 2013. I have always upgraded to the latest on release day and have since the first iPhone. So I am not sure if this magically clears up on launch day or not. If I have to wait until May 2013 then that might mean my contract ends and I might consider switching to Verizon to get the FaceTime over LTE.

Doesn't that stink?

AT&T has changed their policy THIS year. No longer can first day iPhone buyers, buy again the next iPhone release.

They lost a LOT of sales this launch, I'm sure. I'm stuck until May as well....

The manager at AT&T (my call was escalated) said it's their new Early Advantage plan or something. I corrected her and said it's the Early DISadvantage plan. $250 on top of the regular price is crazy. These execs are VERY greedy for their profits to ONLY grow, with no regard for customers that mean more than growing profits. :(

Really? Have you looked at the price of an unlocked iPhone? Why don't you just buy one like that? Once you commit to a contract, you commit to its conditions.