By Phil Goldstein

AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) will now make customers wait 24 months instead of 20 months to upgrade to a new, subsidized device. The move mirrors one that rival Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) announced in April.

The change affects any AT&T customer whose contract expires in March 2014 or later. “Today, we’re announcing a 24-month upgrade policy across all of AT&T’s wireless products and services,” the company said in a blog post. “This aligns device upgrade eligibility with our standard two-year wireless agreement.”

AT&T’s move, like Verizon’s, is likely being done to increase margins at the carrier. AT&T said last week that it expects its second-quarter wireless EBITDA margins to be similar to those from the first quarter of 2013, which would be lower than in the year-ago period. AT&T said its margins will take a hit in the second quarter thanks to promotions, higher gross additions and more smartphone upgrades.

Read more: AT&T tightens handset upgrade policy to 24 months, following Verizon’s move – FierceWireless http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/att-tightens-handset-upgrade-policy-24-months-following-verizons-move/2013-06-10#ixzz2VpcrjT00