Why Uber Charge A Device Subscription Fee?
Last Updated on February 8, 2018 by Rideshare Community Support
Driver Concern: Why Uber Charge A Mobile Device Subscription Fee?
Community Answer: Uber get a lot of feedback on the mobile subscription fee from drivers who don’t understand why they have to pay such fee in the first place. One thing all new drivers must understand is that they are not employed by Uber. They are their own independent business owner. Therefore Uber is not responsible for
making sure they have a compatible device and internet/data package in order to work on their platform. However, the ones that do not have the correct device or data plan can rent a phone and pay the weekly data subscription fee.
Your Choice: You do have an option here, you can use your own compatible iPhone or Android device (just make sure you have enough data) or simply use an Uber phone and pay the weekly fee and any deposit requirements. As of right now the weekly fee is $15 with a $200 deposit. The deposit can be broken up in 4 $50 increments deducting from your weekly payout.
The device subscription fee helps cover the costs Uber pay for the phone’s data plan to the cellphone carrier. It’s a cost that Uber once did subsidized in the past but cannot continue to as they grow on a larger scale. By drivers taken care of their own data cost, it has allowed Uber to invest in the continued growth and technological development at Uber.
As this converts into increased ridership (as it is today), Uber’s partners will be able to complete more trips for more riders and increase their earnings. Additionally, Uber want to improve the experience of their partners by including new features and improving the functionality of the app.
Uber believe that as they further invest in the growth and technology of Uber, the value of these actions will far outweigh the weekly data fee.
However, if you do not find any value in the Uber app and you have your own phone you would like to use instead, then you can mail your phone back to Uber and you will no longer be billed. Uber will also reimburse your deposit if the phone is returned back in good working condition.