pre_text: Contract costs As discussed in the Significant Accounting Policies Note, Topic 606 requires the recognition of an asset for incremental costs to obtain a customer contract, which is then amortized to expense, over the respective period of expected benefit. The Partnership recognizes a contract asset for incremental commission costs paid to Verizon Wireless personnel and agents in conjunction with obtaining customer contracts. The costs are only deferred when it is determined the commissions are incremental costs that would not have been incurred absent the customer contract and are expected to be recovered. Costs to obtain a contract are amortized and recorded ratably as commission expense over the period representing the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate. Costs to obtain contracts are amortized over the customers' estimated device upgrade cycle of two to three years, as such costs are typically incurred each time a customer upgrades their equipment. The amortization periods for the costs incurred to obtain a customer contract is determined at a portfolio level due to the similarities within these customer contract portfolios. Other costs, such as general costs or costs related to past performance obligations, are expensed as incurred. Deferred contract costs are classified as current or non-current within prepaid expenses and other, and other assets – net, respectively. The balances of deferred contract costs as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, included in the balance sheet were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Partnership recognized expense of $3,126 and $2,161, respectively, associated with the amortization of deferred contract costs, primarily within selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income. Deferred contract costs are assessed for impairment on an annual basis. An impairment charge is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of a deferred cost exceeds the remaining amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for the goods and services related to the cost, less the expected costs related directly to providing those goods and services that have not yet been recognized as expenses. There have been no impairment charges recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
table: 2019 2018
table: Assets
table: Prepaid expenses and other $ 3,027 $ 2,347
table: Other assets - net 1,824 1,831
table: Total $ 4,851 $ 4,178
question: Analyse this data from a financial earnings document. What was the increase / (decrease) in the prepaid expenses and other assets from 2018 to 2019?