Some Relief from the Cell Phone 'Break Up' Fee
By Dave Franzman, Reporter
By
Becky Ogann
Story Created:
May 21, 2008 at 6:09 PM CDT
Story Updated:
May 22, 2008 at 9:17 AM CDT
CEDAR RAPIDS - Cell phone customers who want to break contracts early might get a break from sky-high cancellation fees. The Federal Communications Commission is discussing possible changes with cell phone companies.
But the deal is not done yet. When you sign up for cell service, the free or discounted phones usually come with a catch. If you want out of a two year deal early, you have to pay.
One FCC official tells TV9 that gripes about break up fees are not the top complaint they hear at the federal government, but if you've every wanted out of a contract early with a cell phone company, you know breaking up is an expensive thing to do.
The major cell companies charge $150 to $200 to end a contract early. Renata Bitoy paid $200 when she switched from one carrier to another a few years ago.
"I just paid the money and moved on," said Renata Bitoy, Kirkwood Community College student.
But the Associated Press reports the FCC and cell companies are working on some changes. One idea would give customers 30 days after signing a contract to opt out without a penalty. Another would cut termination the longer you stayed on the contract. The 30 day grace period would have saved Sara Bartels some money.
"Our bill wasn't even as much as our disconnection fee...so they made $300 off us for 30 days," said Sara Bartels, Kirkwood Community College student.
One FCC official told TV9 that talks are going on, but it's too early to count on those contract breaks just yet. Cutting termination fees could have some benefits for cell phone companies. Many face huge lawsuits in state courts over those fees. Imposing federal rules would eliminate state control and the law suits.
Friday, May 23 at 12:36 PM CELFONE SCAMS wrote ...
Celfones are a scam. There is NO reason for things like sign-up fees, breakup fees, roaming charges, regulatory fees, etc. They only do it because they can get away with it. Too bad so many people get suckered into going along with it.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 23 at 7:58 AM US Cellular Sucks wrote ...
Nuff said! They suck the big one. I'd get higher sound quality running string and tin cans then I do on the 1997 model cellphones US Cellular sells. I heard they're going to be introducing the RAZR THIS year, and maybe the Blackberry... but two phones in one year is really pushing it for the team at US Cell.
Flag for moderationFriday, May 23 at 3:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...
hey 2:09 PM, I don't care and I am not with any company, but I laugh at any idiot that waists there money. I have never been billed more than I paid, that is all that matters to me an Iowa citizen. I am however looking for deals! Are there any other company that offers service with no charges for a better price? I am glad you found a service for your frequent state hopping. My service has been great for me, how bout u?
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 4:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Hey "Death Contract" I hear ya too. My grandma passed on and my cell phone was in her name, same carrier too (US Cellular) so without the death cert. as proof, it was a fun time getting them to let me let go!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 3:33 PM MD wrote ...
I moved here from the Chicago area and had Cingular. I wanted a local number, but at the time Cingular didn't have a "presence" here. It cost me $175 to get out of the contract and get a local phone number w/Verizon so my family didn't have to dial long distance to reach me in our driveway.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 2:45 PM death contract wrote ...
Father in law passed away and US Cellular didn't even want to let us cancel his contract. It took a lawyer to get that one canceled
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 2:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Anonymous 1:45, I travel all over the country. I used to have megatalk. It would not work much outside of Iowa. Sometimes it didn't even work in Iowa. Quit being a jerk.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 2:02 PM US Cell, ugh... wrote ...
Please, to those who are on here boasting that they work for that company, save your breath. They sell terrible old phones that no other cell phone company would bat their eye at, they moderate their employees like hamsters and for some of the people on here talking about how great they are, I see you're enjoying the tasty bits that they're feeding you. Get on a diet and try other cell companies whose features aren't as expensive, or don't make you feel nauseous after looking at the bill....
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 1:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...
as i said before most of you are dumb, I have never been in a contract since 2002 and never paid more than 31 dollars a month for service. I can quit whenever I want. mine is forth from the bottom.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 10:54 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Why are there contracts anyway? People should be free to cancel their phone. People are having enough financial struggles as it is. They should be able to cancel their phone, free of penalty, to help make ends meet.
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 7:51 AM US Cellular wrote ...
US Cellular? HA! What a behind the times company. How's that EVDO roll out going? Wait, whats that? You havn't started yet!!! Even T-Mobile has 3G running before US Cellular. When you turning off analog service US Cell? Why won't you release that? Is it maybe because 10% of your subscribers are still AMPS/TDMA? Nah.. couldn't be! I call it by its original B side name in CR -- Farmers Coop Mobile Phone Company!
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 7:49 AM anon. wrote ...
There shouldn't have to be contracts period. No landline based system requires buyers to agree to contracts so why should cell companies?
Flag for moderationThursday, May 22 at 6:02 AM bob wrote ...
Us Cellular gives there customers great customer service so why would you want to leave they are ahead of the curve already offering the 30 day garrentee.
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 10:50 PM Employee wrote ...
I work at U.S. Cellular. We give our customers a 30 day guarantee now. We don't charge them an ETF fee for leaving early if they aren't with us for less than 30 days. Hello!!
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 10:03 PM Employee wrote ...
U.S. Celluar where I work...we already give OUR cutomers a 30-day guarantee..and if they cancel within those 30 days, we don't charge you. US Cellular is a CDMA company as well GSM!!...
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 9:33 PM GSM wrote ...
GSM phones are easily unlocked. Which means you can sign up for service without getting the "free" (24 month contract required) phone. And yes, America is way behind the times in cellphone technology. I was in Japan a few months ago, and could literally wash my behind by pressing a button on my phone while on a special toilet seat. That's progress.
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 9:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Wow since 2002 I have never had to pay more than 31 dollars a month for megatalk, they do not mail me bills, they have never charged me ever! I even went to Missouri and i still had reception and could make phone calls with no charges what so ever. Some of you out there are pretty dumb!
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 7:25 PM GSM? wrote ...
What good would GSM do? You still have to pay to get out of your contract. Also, not all US Carriers are CDMA. Of the major carriers, only Verizon and Sprint are, and both of them offer "world edition" phones that have CDMA and GSM built in. My Sprint Blackberry has that feature. AT&T and T-Mobile are both GSM.
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 6:23 PM CONTRACT wrote ...
Getting out of the contract is easy. Wait until they change the price for a service, such as 411 or text messaging. You always get a 30 day window when a change like that takes place to cancel your contract without penalty. Either that, or say you're moving to another country, and usually if you give them a sob story (grandmother is terminal, won't be back for years) they'll let you right out. Worked every time for me! I don't see why the FCC needs to step in here, when its so easy!
Flag for moderationWednesday, May 21 at 6:22 PM Tim wrote ...
Good old USA. Why don't they switch to GSM phones like the rest of the world. It's all about money...
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