Still confused by my bill!

[g.allan]

I recently reactivated my service with AT&T after returning home from being stationed overseas. When I got my first bill for $212 I was pretty shocked and confused as to why it was over twice my typical bill.  The billing period covered October 11 through November 10, while I activated my phone on the 18th of October (give or take a day). I understand that there was a $36 upgrade fee since I upgraded my aging iphone 3gs, but that still leaves about $80 that I'm still not sure about.  When I spoke with a representative they were only able to tell me it was a prorated fee. My plan has not changed since I started the contract and the only thing that changed was the new phone that I was already charged $36 to activate.  Is there something I'm missing? I can't understand where this extra fee came from.

[kdfederer ACE - Wizard]

The billing period was from October 11 to November 10. You are paying for October 18 through DECEMBER 10 as you prepay for your service a month in advance. You have 23 days of prorated fees thus the higher bill.

[g.allan]

Why wouldn't that be reflected on my bill period? Does that mean my next bill should be less than normal? Thanks for your help.

[MicCheck]

To me, this is one of the most confusing things about AT&T bills. The "bill period" in the top right corner of the first page is the period for which additional charges (international calls, suscriptions, etc.) Would be billed. The bill cycle is actually a month after that, and is on the detail pages of the bill.

You next bill will be for monthly services for December 11 through January 10, so it will be a one month bill, and that will be the pattern going forward unless you make changes to your services.