The ubiquitous early termination fee. It’s a fact of life in the US wireless world. In return for significant handset subsidies, carriers levy ETFs against customers that terminate their contract early in order to guarantee that costs can be recouped. But, just because ETFs help keep handset prices down in the US, doesn’t mean people [...]

T-Mobile, facing ETF-pressures from consumers and the Feds alike, have finally given in to the prorated ETF trend. But, we really can't fathom why America's favorite (at least according to JD Power) wireless carrier wouldn't give customers a bigger break on their ETF (early termination fee) policy. While the rest of the Big Four will be [...]

Good news for anyone considering a shorter-term stay on AT&T's HSPA network. AT&T has announced that it has gone official with its new Early Termination Fee (ETF) policy. Customers can now expect to have their ETF reduced by $5 for every month that they pay their bill. What that means is that customers won't have to [...]

Everyone hates ETFs. The use of Early Termination Fees is something of a necessary evil. They give wireless carriers a somewhat reliable assurance of customer loyalty, allowing the carrier to keep wireless rates relatively low. On the other hand, there's nothing worse (for the consumer) than having to wait out the last few months of [...]

[Update] Post updated. Perhaps my original wording was a bit harsh. It's one way or the other. A recent test conducted by the Consumers Union found that two-thirds of AT&T customer representatives either lied about AT&T's termination fees (which are now pro-rated), or were misinformed. The group made 12 calls to AT&T and were provided false and inaccurate [...]

No, you can’t use the recently increased SMS text message rates to cancel your plan sans Early Termination Fee (ETF), but starting in 2008, Sprint customers will be able to take advantage of pro-rated ETFs. Like Verizon Wireless , AT&T , and T-Mobile before it, Sprint will only charge ETFs commensurate with the remainder of the customer’s wireless contract. In other words, the penalty for canceling your contract will be proportional to the length of time you have remaining on your contract. Oh, and starting November 12, Sprint customers will be free to change their rate-plans without being forced into a contract extension. And, in Sprint’s push to improve customer service (ostensibly to boost their struggling bottom line ), the company will be welcoming new customers with “welcome calls.” Sprint will also start notifying customers of large overage charges and bring better handset discounts to existing customers. Now, this is a good idea. Better customer service and pro-rated ETFs are more likely to boost your core business than the gimmicky, over-priced, subscription-based, mobile gaming service Sprint Arcade . In the end, we’re just glad that all four national carriers have officially jumped on-board the pro-rated ETF bandwagon. It’s a nice bandwagon, and we like riding it! Source ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:AT&T Wireless introduces pro-rated Early Termination Fees (ETF)T-Mobile gives in, allows pro-rated early termination feesSprint: Yes we raised our SMS text message rates, No you can't cancel your contract without an ETFSprint cuts ties with troublesome subscribersVerizon Wireless gives customers freedom to change plans

Contract killing has never been so sweet. No, we’re not condoning homicide-for-hire, we’re talking about killing your wireless contract with your wireless carrier. AT&T already gave in to consumer demand , and Verizon recently jumped on the pro-rating bandwagon, so it’s not really surprising that our favorite US carrier is now offering a pro-rated Early Termination Fee (ETF) for its customers. What this means for T-Mobile USA customers is that they’ll only pay an ETF commensurate with the remainder of their wireless contracts. So, if you cancel on Day 1 of your contract, you can expect to pony up the full ETF to T-Mobile. But, should you decide to kill your contract during the last few months of your contract, you’ll pay drastically less in penalties. Don’t get all crazy and kill that T-Mobile contract just yet, people. T-Mobile has only announced their intention to enact a pro-rated ETF policy. They’re still working out the details and expects to have the new policy in effect by mid-2008. Press release ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:AT&T Wireless introduces pro-rated Early Termination Fees (ETF)Verizon Wireless gives customers freedom to change plans2006 Forum Nokia PRO awards for outstanding achievement in mobile applicationsSprint cuts ties with troublesome subscribersForum Nokia S60 3rd Edition Challenge 20 finalists