Comments on: How to Get Out of Your Cell Phone Contract http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/ personal finance tips, tricks, and commentary Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:22:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: kate http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-250802 kate Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:42:17 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-250802 T-Mobile blows chunks. We moved to an area that shows reasonable coverage on their map, only to find out that whenever someone breathes heavy on the goddamn antenna, we lose service for the better part of a week. I'd like to call the 611 customer service number each time, but to do that, I have to get in my car and drive out of town! The last time I called, I guess I actually scared someone because they gave me a $10 credit (I know, whoopee - but that's akin to them admitting they know there's a problem). I have no house phone, and still have a good 6 months on my contract - how do I get them to let me out? I've started using Google Voice just to make calls from home, but my family can't figure out it's me calling (I've had the same cell number for over 10 years.) I HATE T-Mobile!!!! T-Mobile blows chunks. We moved to an area that shows reasonable coverage on their map, only to find out that whenever someone breathes heavy on the goddamn antenna, we lose service for the better part of a week. I’d like to call the 611 customer service number each time, but to do that, I have to get in my car and drive out of town! The last time I called, I guess I actually scared someone because they gave me a $10 credit (I know, whoopee – but that’s akin to them admitting they know there’s a problem). I have no house phone, and still have a good 6 months on my contract – how do I get them to let me out? I’ve started using Google Voice just to make calls from home, but my family can’t figure out it’s me calling (I’ve had the same cell number for over 10 years.) I HATE T-Mobile!!!!

]]> By: Sam http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-147181 Sam Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:06:08 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-147181 Get out of your cell phone contract with no ETF using our free service at http://www.mobileswap.org/. Get out of your cell phone contract with no ETF using our free service
at http://www.mobileswap.org/.

]]> By: scott wilson http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-146691 scott wilson Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:30:11 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-146691 We tried to get out of our contract, because we have to drive 6 miles to make a call and to dial the number 611 to talk to att we have to drive 17 miles. it takes 2 days to get a text or a voice mail. They said they couldn't help us and for us to find someone to take over our contract. So that is what we are trying to do now and any info I can get will be grateful. We tried to get out of our contract, because we have to drive 6 miles to make a call and to dial the number 611 to talk to att we have to drive 17 miles. it takes 2 days to get a text or a voice mail. They said they couldn’t help us and for us to find someone to take over our contract. So that is what we are trying to do now and any info I can get will be grateful.

]]> By: jane http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-137584 jane Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:30:14 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-137584 Do not sign with tmobile worst company I ever seen. I have $929.00 400 SHUT OFF SERVICE WHEN EVERYONE HAVE 50 UNLIMITED CALLING PLAN.. customer service is awful go with any other company f rating better business bureau.... Do not sign with tmobile worst company I ever seen. I have $929.00 400 SHUT OFF SERVICE WHEN EVERYONE HAVE 50 UNLIMITED CALLING PLAN.. customer service is awful go with any other company f rating better business bureau….

]]> By: Britt http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-136865 Britt Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:47 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-136865 Thanks for the info. I recently switched to Sprint from T-mobile and have been regretting it ever since. While I love my new phone (Palm Pre) Sprints service is unacceptable. I drop calls constantly, and probably a good half of my calls don't come through at all. I have had to tell people that if they know I'm home, don't bother calling because I usually have zero bars (I never had a problem like this with t-mobile) I want to cancel but refuse to pay at $200 fee since they are not providing me with the service I have been paying $100 a month for. Thanks for the info. I recently switched to Sprint from T-mobile and have been regretting it ever since. While I love my new phone (Palm Pre) Sprints service is unacceptable. I drop calls constantly, and probably a good half of my calls don’t come through at all. I have had to tell people that if they know I’m home, don’t bother calling because I usually have zero bars (I never had a problem like this with t-mobile) I want to cancel but refuse to pay at $200 fee since they are not providing me with the service I have been paying $100 a month for.

]]> By: FinanciallySmart http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-136633 FinanciallySmart Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:53:38 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-136633 This is great information. One should read the fine prints on the contract also. Sometimes having information like this person forget to read these fine prints and then attempting to follow the above it backfire. This is great information. One should read the fine prints on the contract also. Sometimes having information like this person forget to read these fine prints and then attempting to follow the above it backfire.

]]> By: Pat http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135592 Pat Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:11:09 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135592 Generally, the reason for the ETF is the leftover cost of the phone that is included in the purchase, so consider the following two options: 1. buy the phone separately and go with a month-to-month plan. You should then be able to cancel when you want. 2. ask about a 1-year contract with a little more upfront for the phone Upon purchase and signing up: 1. Ask how much of your bill is for the phone itself and how much is for the service before signing up. Have then write it down and sign and date it. Hold them accountable for what they are telling you. 2. Ask that the cancelation and fees portion of the contract be circled and explained to you. 3. Ask about their auto-renewal policies with/without action by you (if they have a negative-option program it means you MUST TAKE ACTION to stop the renewal) KEEP THE CONTRACT SAFELY TUCKED AWAY FOR FUTURE USE. Warning about family plans Also, be aware that if you are in a 'family' plan there is a possibility that they may consider you a co-signer. If the originator of the contract doesn't pay, they may come after you for the unpaid amount--not only for your portion of the bill, but theirs as well. As a certified credit counselor, I have seen this show up on credit reports often. Generally, the reason for the ETF is the leftover cost of the phone that is included in the purchase, so consider the following two options:
1. buy the phone separately and go with a month-to-month plan. You should then be able to cancel when you want.
2. ask about a 1-year contract with a little more upfront for the phone

Upon purchase and signing up:
1. Ask how much of your bill is for the phone itself and how much is for the service before signing up. Have then write it down and sign and date it. Hold them accountable for what they are telling you.
2. Ask that the cancelation and fees portion of the contract be circled and explained to you.
3. Ask about their auto-renewal policies with/without action by you (if they have a negative-option program it means you MUST TAKE ACTION to stop the renewal)

KEEP THE CONTRACT SAFELY TUCKED AWAY FOR FUTURE USE.

Warning about family plans
Also, be aware that if you are in a ‘family’ plan there is a possibility that they may consider you a co-signer. If the originator of the contract doesn’t pay, they may come after you for the unpaid amount–not only for your portion of the bill, but theirs as well.

As a certified credit counselor, I have seen this show up on credit reports often.

]]> By: Bargain Babe http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135569 Bargain Babe Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:22:46 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135569 Thanks for linking to me, Nickel!!! Thanks for linking to me, Nickel!!!

]]> By: peter http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135496 peter Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:40:36 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135496 Is there any way for me to get internet for my phone while at my home? I have at&t Is there any way for me to get internet for my phone while at my home? I have at&t

]]> By: Chris I. http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135484 Chris I. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:22:59 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135484 @Nickel: "The contracts are not “arrogantly required.” Rather, they are a condition of getting favorable pricing on the handset. If you want to pay full freight for a phone, you can go month to month with just about any carrier." I can understand that the carrier might want to lock you into a contract in exchange for giving you a discounted price on a phone. They are essentially making up for the up front discount over the next several months of monthly service charges. The problem is that if you are paying month to month (for example, if you provide your own phone), you pay the exact same monthly amount for service. They should charge you less! @Nickel: “The contracts are not “arrogantly required.” Rather, they are a condition of getting favorable pricing on the handset. If you want to pay full freight for a phone, you can go month to month with just about any carrier.”

I can understand that the carrier might want to lock you into a contract in exchange for giving you a discounted price on a phone. They are essentially making up for the up front discount over the next several months of monthly service charges. The problem is that if you are paying month to month (for example, if you provide your own phone), you pay the exact same monthly amount for service. They should charge you less!

]]> By: GM http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135451 GM Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:55:06 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135451 In a different vein, analyze how many minutes you really use and how many text messages you really send and how many times you could put off looking up something over the internet or checking your email until you got home. Do you want to pay an extra $10 for unlimited text messages when you only send about 20 messages a month? Even at $0.2 a pop, it just comes to $4. Then you can choose a plan that best suits your needs. If a cheaper plan fulfills most of your needs, with occasional overages that is the one you should be on or else you are paying for something you don't use month after month. In a different vein, analyze how many minutes you really use and how many text messages you really send and how many times you could put off looking up something over the internet or checking your email until you got home.

Do you want to pay an extra $10 for unlimited text messages when you only send about 20 messages a month? Even at $0.2 a pop, it just comes to $4.

Then you can choose a plan that best suits your needs. If a cheaper plan fulfills most of your needs, with occasional overages that is the one you should be on or else you are paying for something you don’t use month after month.

]]> By: Alex Burda http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135421 Alex Burda Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:27:06 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135421 Just making sure that I can receive the follow up comments from this post. Thanks Just making sure that I can receive the follow up comments from this post.
Thanks

]]> By: Alex Burda http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135420 Alex Burda Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:24:44 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135420 I tried to get out of a contract for mobile boradband with my current phone company. The costs outweighed the hassle of taking it further. This time I will cop it sweet & wait for my contract to expire. I will not use the same phone company again and will keep your advice saved for if I even come across this situation again. Better still I will ask for all the terms and conditions to be explained to me before I sign anything in the future. I tried to get out of a contract for mobile boradband with my current phone company. The costs outweighed the hassle of taking it further. This time I will cop it sweet & wait for my contract to expire. I will not use the same phone company again and will keep your advice saved for if I even come across this situation again.
Better still I will ask for all the terms and conditions to be explained to me before I sign anything in the future.

]]> By: kenyantykoon http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135419 kenyantykoon Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:03:49 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135419 i close family member was overcharged and from then on i avoid those phone contracts like the bubonic plague, just like credit cards and anything else that is in the disguise of convenience but it is meant to bleed your bank account dry i close family member was overcharged and from then on i avoid those phone contracts like the bubonic plague, just like credit cards and anything else that is in the disguise of convenience but it is meant to bleed your bank account dry

]]> By: Eric http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135415 Eric Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:02:15 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135415 I love my iPhone too :) I love my iPhone too :)

]]> By: Kelli http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135414 Kelli Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:10:03 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135414 When my dad passed away we inquired about cancelling his phone and were told it would be no problem, we would only be charged the $200 ETF because he still had I forget how much time left on his contract. I serioulsy thought they were joking until my mom's friend told us she went through the same thing when her husband died. My mom ended up taking over his contract and changing it to her needs when it was up but I'm thinking now we maybe should have just said he moved to an area without good coverage. When my dad passed away we inquired about cancelling his phone and were told it would be no problem, we would only be charged the $200 ETF because he still had I forget how much time left on his contract. I serioulsy thought they were joking until my mom’s friend told us she went through the same thing when her husband died. My mom ended up taking over his contract and changing it to her needs when it was up but I’m thinking now we maybe should have just said he moved to an area without good coverage.

]]> By: kev http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135413 kev Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:16:52 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135413 @Nickel: "The contracts are not “arrogantly required". Rather, they are a condition of getting favorable pricing on the handset." I can't speak for all carriers, but with Verizon it's more than just the price of the handset. They will not allow you to change your service (i.e. add a texting package, reduce minute plan, etc.) while you are month to month. They force you to re-up. This has happened to me twice, but I have never pressed the issue with them. It may be something you can get out of if you yell at the right person long enough. @Nickel: “The contracts are not “arrogantly required”. Rather, they are a condition of getting favorable pricing on the handset.”

I can’t speak for all carriers, but with Verizon it’s more than just the price of the handset. They will not allow you to change your service (i.e. add a texting package, reduce minute plan, etc.) while you are month to month. They force you to re-up. This has happened to me twice, but I have never pressed the issue with them. It may be something you can get out of if you yell at the right person long enough.

]]> By: Nickel http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135412 Nickel Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:00:49 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135412 TonyD: The contracts are not "arrogantly required." Rather, they are a condition of getting favorable pricing on the handset. If you want to pay full freight for a phone, you can go month to month with just about any carrier. Of course, if you want a fancy phone, then you're going to pay through the nose. TonyD: The contracts are not “arrogantly required.” Rather, they are a condition of getting favorable pricing on the handset. If you want to pay full freight for a phone, you can go month to month with just about any carrier. Of course, if you want a fancy phone, then you’re going to pay through the nose.

]]> By: TonyD http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135411 TonyD Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:48:49 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135411 ("I think the take home message here is that, no matter how strong your case, you need to be prepared to fight with your carrier.") The primary lesson-learned is -- NOT to sign unfavorable business contracts. It is foolish for a consumer to sign a complex contract with vague provisions & clauses that he does not understand... with a company he does not fully trust. Deluxe Cell fones are very convenient & versatile, but certainly not a necessity to most people. There are always alternatives to onerous contracts. When I first considered getting a cell fone, I immediately dropped the idea when I saw the complex, one-sided contracts arrogantly 'required' by the carriers. Fortunately, 'Pre-Paid/Pay-as-You-Go' soon appeared with no contract requirement at all. I've happily used pre-paid cell fones ever since; they are a real bargain unless you have unusual phone use needs... or absolutely can not live without an iPhone. Also, seems a tad unethical to 'break' a voluntary contract to avoid an ETF... if the consumer did fully understand that ETF contract requirement. Honest contracts work both ways. (“I think the take home message here is that, no matter how strong your case, you need to be prepared to fight with your carrier.”)

The primary lesson-learned is — NOT to sign unfavorable business contracts.

It is foolish for a consumer to sign a complex contract with vague provisions & clauses that he does not understand… with a company he does not fully trust.

Deluxe Cell fones are very convenient & versatile, but certainly not a necessity to most people. There are always alternatives to onerous contracts.

When I first considered getting a cell fone, I immediately dropped the idea when I saw the complex, one-sided contracts arrogantly ‘required’ by the carriers. Fortunately, ‘Pre-Paid/Pay-as-You-Go’ soon appeared with no contract requirement at all. I’ve happily used pre-paid cell fones ever since; they are a real bargain unless you have unusual phone use needs… or absolutely can not live without an iPhone.

Also, seems a tad unethical to ‘break’ a voluntary contract to avoid an ETF… if the consumer did fully understand that ETF contract requirement. Honest contracts work both ways.

]]> By: Craig http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135409 Craig Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:03:50 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135409 I have att and would love to get out of their two year contract. My iphone was stolen and can't get a new one at rebate cost and don't like the att service so now am stuck. I have att and would love to get out of their two year contract. My iphone was stolen and can’t get a new one at rebate cost and don’t like the att service so now am stuck.

]]> By: mewithoutdebt http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135408 mewithoutdebt Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:51:04 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135408 Good list with information. I would love to hear real life experience from others who have really used and gout out from their cell phone contract. Good list with information. I would love to hear real life experience from others who have really used and gout out from their cell phone contract.

]]> By: Nickel http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135407 Nickel Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:43:22 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135407 Kyle & EZ: Definitely, but if you're moving anyway... If you really wanted to, you could probably change your billing address as well as the mailing address for one other critical bill (like a utility bill? -- needed for proof) and then try to get out. Ellen: I've heard all the same complaints, but had nothing but good things to say about Sprint's customer service until the very end. Kyle & EZ: Definitely, but if you’re moving anyway… If you really wanted to, you could probably change your billing address as well as the mailing address for one other critical bill (like a utility bill? — needed for proof) and then try to get out.

Ellen: I’ve heard all the same complaints, but had nothing but good things to say about Sprint’s customer service until the very end.

]]> By: Ellen / Money Lounge http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135406 Ellen / Money Lounge Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:31:13 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135406 Thank you for this great information. This is always a problem when you are getting horrible service and still have 18 months left on your contract. I have heard nothing but complaints about Sprint service, and would never go with them as a provider. Thank you for this great information. This is always a problem when you are getting horrible service and still have 18 months left on your contract.

I have heard nothing but complaints about Sprint service, and would never go with them as a provider.

]]> By: EZ http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135403 EZ Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:54:52 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135403 Good list except for moving. Who would move just to change cell phone carriers? Good list except for moving. Who would move just to change cell phone carriers?

]]> By: Kyle http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135402 Kyle Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:22:12 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135402 Great list, although I am pretty sure it may be cost prohibitive to move just to get out of a cell phone contract. I haven't heard of the roaming minutes suggestion before, I wonder if that would actually work? Great list, although I am pretty sure it may be cost prohibitive to move just to get out of a cell phone contract. I haven’t heard of the roaming minutes suggestion before, I wonder if that would actually work?

]]> By: John DeFlumeri Jr http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/10/05/how-to-get-out-of-your-cell-phone-contract-without-an-etf/comment-page-1/#comment-135400 John DeFlumeri Jr Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:33:18 +0000 http://www.fivecentnickel.com/?p=3584#comment-135400 That was real good, I thought you just couldn't terminate them without paying. That was real good, I thought you just couldn’t terminate them without paying.

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