AT&T next

Dan28 wrote:
So you have to pay the whole 20 months before you upgrade. You can't just pay the 12 months because that's what it says on the plan... Upgrade every 12 months

There are two separate issues here: one is the amount of time and the other is the amount of money.

From your first post, I thought that you wanted to know if you could upgrade before 12 months had passed, a timing issue.  I'll clarify my response by saying that you can upgrade at any time before 12 months is completed (if you selected Next 12) as long as you pay the device off in full. 

If you are willing to wait until 12 months have passed, you can trade-in your device and upgrade via Next.  You won't need to make any additional payments at that time as long as your device is in good condition.

I'll paraphrase,

Without turning in the phone, the full amount amount needs to paid, either over the full 20 months, or you can finish paying it early.

Starting after 12month/payments, you can turn the phone (assuming it's in good condition), the rest of payments are forgiven, and you're able to upgrade then.

-Alex