Faking Death To Get Out Of Mobile Phone Contracts
from the you-think-maybe-there's-a-problem? dept
The introduction of local number portability was supposed to force mobile operators to improve their customer service, since now it would be easier for upset customers to simply jump to a competing carrier. Instead, it seems to have only increased the use of early termination fees that the mobile operators charge if you leave a contract early. To be fair, often these ETFs come into play when the customer has purchased a heavily subsidized mobile phone -- which sounds fair. However, the number of irate mobile users who find themselves facing huge bills just because they want to switch mobile operators suggests that the practice isn't doing much good for the reputations of mobile operators. In fact, it's so bad that some folks are willing to play dead in an effort to fool mobile operators into canceling the contract without charging the ETF -- though, as we've noted in the past, there have been times when even death wouldn't get you out of paying. It would seem to make sense for mobile operators to be a bit more understanding. Verizon Wireless, to its credit, prorates early termination fees, so the closer you are to the end of your contract, the less it costs. It's unclear why the other mobile operators haven't come up with anything similar. Perhaps they really think that locked-in but pissed-off customers are better than happy, loyal customers.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Filed Under: contracts, early termination fees, mobile operators
Companies: verizon wireless
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Perhaps they think that pissed-off, but still paying, customers are better than none at all...
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Re:
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Dying For A Cell Phone
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Re: Dying For A Cell Phone
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Oh I know
There is no reason for them to charge my $175 other then to insure I don't leave early. The phone I have with AT&T was purchased over 2 years ago, and barely works. If they were better to their customers, I wouldn't be leaving in the first place.
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Verizon doesn't prorate anything
In the end I'm now with T-mobile...haven't had any problems, but I haven't had occasion to yet. Verizon was great all the way up until I had a problem, then it just snowballed.
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The reason for Faking Death
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It is not a surprise
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Try not getting a contract
(The only way to transfer pictures and files from a verizon phone is to transfer through their service)
I was fully prepared to pay full price for the phone I wanted through AT&T so I wouldn't have to get a contract. no dice. They wouldn't sell a phone with anything less then a 1 year contract. (Because I was able to get the company discount, I'm stuck with a 2 year plan)
I had been with Verizon going back to the Nynex days. I always liked Verizon's network, as long as you were in the U.S. Since I occasionally travel to China, a GSM phone was the other reason to get rid of them. Still, it was a bit on the traumatic side.
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I've heard a much better way
Free roaming is also a great way to end the contract ... just go outside their coverage area on friday night, plug your phone into the charger, call any free information number (or another cell phone looking to get out of a contract) and let it sit until the end of your free weekend period. After that, just call them and they'll beg you to leave (you might have to threaten to do it every weekend, but it'll happen)
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Waiting for the phone market to evolve
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Good luck getting an early termination fee out of
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Re: Good luck getting an early termination fee out
This story is about the US though. And US courts seem to think that unjust enrichment is just fine, at least for the likes of banks and mobile operators. So you can shake the all you want but won't do you any good. The courts are on their side and they know it.
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What I have done...
The last time I did this, the phone company ignored all this and the charges went away without affecting my credit.
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Our Motto: We ain't happy until you ain't happy
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Well, I don't care to even talk on the phone a lot, I have unlimited whatever at home, but on the cell - contracts just aren't for me, I prefer pre-paid. Yeah, it's not 'efficient' maybe, but I'm never stuck with BS either.
I don't need another bill. I keep enough minutes for emergency and just give the number to my close family.
The rest can all leave a message on my home machine :)
I guess - I've had that stance, because I actually read through all that legal jargon prior to signing. And umm, most I've seen... no way, lol - I'm not committing for 2+ years.
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Buy your own phone
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Contracts?
It's even better if you're with a GSM carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile). There are many ways to buy an unlocked or even OEM (not crippled) version of the phone you want online for about the same price as the 2-year contract price at the carrier's store. Buy it online, slip in your SIM card, and you're done. No contract extension, no plan changes, no customer service hassles. Done.
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AT&T is the only carrier in my area and according to their store reps they don't offer no-contract service even if you already have a phone. You're going to pay for a "free" phone whether you want it or not. So I guess my choice is either a contract with ETF or no service at all. Now how does that sound fair?
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Well, I live just fine without one, just as y'all did before you got yours. Remember then?
You got into that crap, now stop whining - bitches.
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termination fees
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TradeMyCellular.com
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Get Out of Your Cell Phone Contract without paying
We hope you have found this information useful.
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lies your t-mobil man
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lies your t-mobil man
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at http://www.mobileswap.org/.
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