Here's how proration works step-by-step:
- Billing cycles are fixed (e.g., 1st to 30th of each month).
- Your service starts mid-cycle (e.g., on the 10th).
- Your first bill includes:
- A prorated amount for service from the 10th to the 30th.
- A full month in advance for the next billing cycle (e.g., May 1 – May 30).
- Installation, activation, equipment fees, if any.
- Taxes and surcharges on both prorated and full charges.
Example:
Let’s say your monthly plan is $129.95 and your billing cycle runs from the 1st to the 30th.
- You start service on the 10th.
- There are 20 days left in the cycle.
- Your prorated charge = $129.95 ÷ 30 × 20 = $86.80
- Your first bill =
+ $86.80 (partial month)
+ $129.95 (next full month)
= $216.75 (before any applicable taxes or fees)
Future bills: Starting with your second bill, charges are usually flat and consistent (one full month at a time) unless you change your service or add/remove features mid-cycle.
