AT&T is killing all wireless-service contracts

AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

AT&T is putting the final nail in the coffin for its two-year wireless contracts. Starting January 8, you'll only be able to buy a phone by paying for its full cost up front or with monthly installments through an AT&T Next plan.

The news was first reported by Engadget on Wednesday and confirmed to Tech Insider by AT&T.

"With $0 down for well-qualified customers, the ability to upgrade early and down payment options available with even lower monthly installments, our customers are overwhelmingly choosing AT&T Next," an AT&T representative told Tech Insider. "Starting January 8, AT&T Next will be the primary way to get a new smartphone at AT&T. This does not apply to business customers under a qualified wireless-service agreement."

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