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Your first bill (from your provider)

What to expect once your new services are installed.

Updated this week

Why your first bill looks different

Your first bill is usually higher than your standard monthly charge. That’s normal—it often includes:

  • One full month billed in advance

  • A prorated portion (depending on your installation date)

  • Any one-time setup or installation fees


Billed in advance

Most telecom providers bill one month ahead. That means your first bill covers the upcoming month of service—not the one you just used.


Prorated charges

Providers use fixed billing cycles (like 1st–31st or 15th–14th). If your installation date falls mid-cycle, your first bill will include:

  • A prorated charge for the partial month

  • Plus one full month of service

💡 Example: If your billing cycle is the 1st–31st and your service started on the 21st, your first bill includes:

  • 10 days of prorated charges

  • One full month of service

One-time fees

If your service agreement listed non-recurring charges—like installation, construction, or new phone setup—they typically appear only on your first bill. After that, you’ll just see your standard monthly service charges.


Moving forward

From your second bill onward, you’ll only see your regular monthly charges.

  • Your bill should always match the line items in your service agreement.

  • For any disputes or clarifications, contact your provider directly.

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