They announced this about a month ago.
It's unfortunately the fine print nobody reads when entering into a contract with these lobbyist supported large oligopolists.
FWIW, ATT just announced a new upgrade program if you want a subsidized device early than the contract end date. See here:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=24538&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=36749
Below is an excerpt a response from AT&T when asked why my device upgrade went from November, 2013 to April, 2014. You gotta love the reference to section 1.3 of the contract, which basically states that AT&T can change anything, but you're locked in for 2 years.
I have reviewed your account extensively and verified that our records reflect the last time the upgrade status was verified for xxx-xxx-xxxx was on 04/29/13 at 7:29am. On that date your equipment upgrade eligibility date was 11/26/13 (5 months prior to the expiration of your
current contract).
Effective June 9, 2013, the upgrade program was revised to apply a consistent approach for all wireless customers. Customers whose contracts expire March 2014 or later qualify for a standard upgrade discount after 24 months (the Term of the contract). Your contract
expires on 04/25/14.
Section 1.3, titled "Can AT&T Change My Terms And Rates?", of your Wireless Customer Agreement explains the following:
"We may change any terms, conditions, rates, fees, expenses, or charges regarding your Services at any time."
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