Amazon Prime customers in the United States will start paying significantly more for their membership from next month, the first time they have done so since 2018. In a press release on Thursday the company said it has invested heavily in Prime in recent years, providing customers with more products, exclusive deals and discounts, and fast and free unlimited shipping. “Since 2018 in the U.S., availability of Free Same-Day Delivery has expanded from 48 metropolitan areas to more than 90, items available for Prime free shipping have increased over 50 percent and members have saved billions of dollars shopping Prime Day,” Amazon said. “This is all on top of new program benefits like prescription savings and fast, free delivery from Amazon Pharmacy and the continually growing Amazon Music for Prime members, Prime Reading, and Prime Gaming.” However, “the continued expansion of Prime member benefits as well as the rise in wages and transportation costs,” means the …