SydLexia.com Forum Index
"Stay awhile. Stay... FOREVER!"

  [Edit Profile]  [Search]  [Memberlist]  [Usergroups]  [FAQ]  [Register]
[Who's Online]  [Log in to check your private messages]  [Log in]
How much does it cost to break a cellphone contract?


Reply to topic
Author Message
Ice2SeeYou
Title: Sexual Tyrannosaurus
Joined: Sep 28 2008
Location: South of Heaven
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 10:06 am Reply with quote Back to top

I want to get a new phone, and T-Mobile won't give me a discount since my current contract isn't up for renewal anytime soon.

So I was considering cancelling the contract and going to another provider. I know I'll get hit with a fee for cancelling, but I was wondering if getting the phone for free from someone else would offset that cost. (I don't give a shit about keeping my current phone# or not).

I'm sure the fees vary by provider, but I was looking for a general idea. Is it a flat fee, or a % of your remaining balance?


Sydlexia.com - Where miserable bastards meet to call each other retards.
 
View user's profileSend private message
username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 10:49 am Reply with quote Back to top

$200 bucks normally for 1-2 year contract

you could just check the terms and conditions

from their terms & conditions:

Quote:
3. * Your Term of Service and Termination Fees. You agree to maintain Service with us for your minimum term (‘Term”). (Periods of suspension of Service do not count toward your Term.) After your Term, you will become a month-to-month customer. EXCEPT FOR MONTH-TO-MONTH CUSTOMERS, AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE WILL APPLY IF YOU CHOOSE TO END YOUR SERVICE BEFORE THE END OF YOUR TERM, OR IF WE TERMINATE IT EARLY. FOR SERVICE ACTIVATED, OR ACCEPTANCE OF A NEW ONE OR TWO YEAR TERM, ON OR AFTER 06/28/08, THE EARLY TERMINATION FEE IS: $200 IF YOU TERMINATE WITH MORE THAN 180 DAYS REMAINING ON YOUR TERM; $100 IF YOU TERMINATE WITH 91 TO 180 DAYS REMAINING ON YOUR TERM; $50 IF YOU TERMINATE WITH 31 TO 91 DAYS REMAINING ON YOUR TERM; AND THE LESSER OF $50 OR YOUR MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGES (including any applicable taxes and fees) IF YOU TERMINATE IN THE LAST 30 DAYS OF YOUR TERM. The Early Termination Fee is part of our rates and is not a penalty. The Early Termination Fee applies only to the extent permitted by law. Unless you request otherwise, your termination will be effective at the end of your current billing cycle. You will remain responsible for all fees and charges for your Service and usage through termination. If you bought your wireless Device from an independent T-Mobile dealer or other third-party vendor, they may charge a separate termination fee.

now, sometimes, companies will either give you a huge discount on your phone or on your phone bill if you switch over. just tell them about the cancellation fee and how expensive it is and yada yada yada and you'll get a bunch of bill credits or even instant rebates off phones and accessories


Klimbatize wrote:
I'll eat a turkey sandwich while blowing my load

 
View user's profileSend private messageAIM AddressYahoo MessengerMSN Messenger
Ice2SeeYou
Title: Sexual Tyrannosaurus
Joined: Sep 28 2008
Location: South of Heaven
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 10:54 am Reply with quote Back to top

username wrote:
$200 bucks normally for 1-2 year contract

you could just check the terms and conditions

from their terms & conditions:

Quote:
3. * Your Term of Service and Termination Fees. You agree to maintain Service with us for your minimum term (‘Term”). (Periods of suspension of Service do not count toward your Term.) After your Term, you will become a month-to-month customer. EXCEPT FOR MONTH-TO-MONTH CUSTOMERS, AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE WILL APPLY IF YOU CHOOSE TO END YOUR SERVICE BEFORE THE END OF YOUR TERM, OR IF WE TERMINATE IT EARLY. FOR SERVICE ACTIVATED, OR ACCEPTANCE OF A NEW ONE OR TWO YEAR TERM, ON OR AFTER 06/28/08, THE EARLY TERMINATION FEE IS: $200 IF YOU TERMINATE WITH MORE THAN 180 DAYS REMAINING ON YOUR TERM; $100 IF YOU TERMINATE WITH 91 TO 180 DAYS REMAINING ON YOUR TERM; $50 IF YOU TERMINATE WITH 31 TO 91 DAYS REMAINING ON YOUR TERM; AND THE LESSER OF $50 OR YOUR MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGES (including any applicable taxes and fees) IF YOU TERMINATE IN THE LAST 30 DAYS OF YOUR TERM. The Early Termination Fee is part of our rates and is not a penalty. The Early Termination Fee applies only to the extent permitted by law. Unless you request otherwise, your termination will be effective at the end of your current billing cycle. You will remain responsible for all fees and charges for your Service and usage through termination. If you bought your wireless Device from an independent T-Mobile dealer or other third-party vendor, they may charge a separate termination fee.

now, sometimes, companies will either give you a huge discount on your phone or on your phone bill if you switch over. just tell them about the cancellation fee and how expensive it is and yada yada yada and you'll get a bunch of bill credits or even instant rebates off phones and accessories


Welp that seems to lay it out pretty clearly. I'm only about 8 months into a 24 month contract, so I'd be looking at $200.

Now I need to decide if that's worth switching providers for.....the phone itself will probably cost $250-ish. The termination fee + my monthly fee will probably equal about the same. Then you'd have the intitiation fee + monthly fee for the new provider if I were to switch.

Seems like my best option might be to just suck it up and pay retail for the phone, without switching providers.


Sydlexia.com - Where miserable bastards meet to call each other retards.
 
View user's profileSend private message
username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 11:18 am Reply with quote Back to top

Ice2SeeYou wrote:
Welp that seems to lay it out pretty clearly. I'm only about 8 months into a 24 month contract, so I'd be looking at $200.

Now I need to decide if that's worth switching providers for.....the phone itself will probably cost $250-ish. The termination fee + my monthly fee will probably equal about the same. Then you'd have the intitiation fee + monthly fee for the new provider if I were to switch.

Seems like my best option might be to just suck it up and pay retail for the phone, without switching providers.

just mention all that to the new company salesman, and see how much of those fees they can discount for you. if you seem eager or if the salesman knows what he is doing, they can hook you up with a lot of discounts


Klimbatize wrote:
I'll eat a turkey sandwich while blowing my load

 
View user's profileSend private messageAIM AddressYahoo MessengerMSN Messenger
Pandajuice
Title: The Power of Grayskull
Joined: Oct 30 2008
Location: US and UK
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 11:41 am Reply with quote Back to top

Can't you just wait until it's a bit more economically feasible to get a new phone? Why do you need one right now?
View user's profileSend private message
Ice2SeeYou
Title: Sexual Tyrannosaurus
Joined: Sep 28 2008
Location: South of Heaven
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 11:50 am Reply with quote Back to top

Pandajuice wrote:
Can't you just wait until it's a bit more economically feasible to get a new phone? Why do you need one right now?


Well yes, realistically I could. The phone I have now works perfectly well.

But my GF and I text each other incessantly like 13-year old girls, so I really want one with a QWERTY keyboard. Wise decision? No. But I rarely buy myself expensive presents, so I feel I can do it if I want.


Sydlexia.com - Where miserable bastards meet to call each other retards.
 
View user's profileSend private message
ChkChkBLAM
Title: Onomatopeabrain
Joined: Jul 07 2009
Location: Des Moines, IA
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 12:15 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Try complaining about reception. My roommate just broke his AT&T contract for free because he couldn't get reception in my house, had to take all calls outside. I'm on Verizon and it worked just fine. Anyway, they conceded that reception was bad in the area and let him out of the contract. Might be worth a try.
View user's profileSend private message
Ice2SeeYou
Title: Sexual Tyrannosaurus
Joined: Sep 28 2008
Location: South of Heaven
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 12:34 pm Reply with quote Back to top

ChkChkBLAM wrote:
Try complaining about reception. My roommate just broke his AT&T contract for free because he couldn't get reception in my house, had to take all calls outside. I'm on Verizon and it worked just fine. Anyway, they conceded that reception was bad in the area and let him out of the contract. Might be worth a try.


That's a good idea, but I know my area is a "strongest reception" area on their charts. I could still take a stab at it, though.....tell them my house/work is underground or something.


Sydlexia.com - Where miserable bastards meet to call each other retards.
 
View user's profileSend private message
Bouya
Title: Delinquent
Joined: Aug 15 2007
Location: Suzuran
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 12:46 pm Reply with quote Back to top

I'm seriously debating breaking my verizon one for an AT+T contract so I can get an iphone.
View user's profileSend private message
Hacker
Banned
Joined: Sep 13 2008
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 01:42 pm Reply with quote Back to top

There have been many problems with the iphone

I wouldnt do it



 
View user's profileSend private message
username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 01:45 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Bouya wrote:
I'm seriously debating breaking my verizon one for an AT+T contract so I can get an iphone.

i wouldnt. 900 minute + unlimited text + the data plan is $100/month.
$49.99 + $20 + $30. its nice and very fun to play with and having 3g anywhere is nice to go, but i dont think paying $100 + taxes per month is worth it.


Klimbatize wrote:
I'll eat a turkey sandwich while blowing my load

 
View user's profileSend private messageAIM AddressYahoo MessengerMSN Messenger
GPFontaine
Joined: Dec 06 2007
Location: Connecticut
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 01:47 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Ice, if you have the opportunity to hold out for a few more months, I think you will find that more Android phones will be available and you may be interested in those. Hell, T-Mobile might even be your best bet to buy one.



 
View user's profileSend private messageVisit poster's website
Andrew Man
Title: Is a Funklord
Joined: Jan 30 2007
Location: Annandale, VA
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 01:53 pm Reply with quote Back to top

I am a big fan of the Android OS. I am actually between cell phones right now, but I think I am gonna have to hold out a bit longer.


My Muzaks! CHECK IT OUT!!!
http://www.facebook.com/hellodharmaband

3DS is very good, and Wii U!

 
View user's profileSend private messageAIM Address
Ice2SeeYou
Title: Sexual Tyrannosaurus
Joined: Sep 28 2008
Location: South of Heaven
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 04:30 pm Reply with quote Back to top

GPFontaine wrote:
Ice, if you have the opportunity to hold out for a few more months, I think you will find that more Android phones will be available and you may be interested in those. Hell, T-Mobile might even be your best bet to buy one.


Pardon my ignorance, but what's an Android phone?


Sydlexia.com - Where miserable bastards meet to call each other retards.
 
View user's profileSend private message
Bouya
Title: Delinquent
Joined: Aug 15 2007
Location: Suzuran
PostPosted: Aug 05 2009 05:05 pm Reply with quote Back to top

username wrote:
Bouya wrote:
I'm seriously debating breaking my verizon one for an AT+T contract so I can get an iphone.

i wouldnt. 900 minute + unlimited text + the data plan is $100/month.
$49.99 + $20 + $30. its nice and very fun to play with and having 3g anywhere is nice to go, but i dont think paying $100 + taxes per month is worth it.


It'd be about $30 more than I pay now, but after fiddling with one the other day I'm sold on it. The additional cost doesn't bother me, but I am curious to know what problems there have been with the hardware?
View user's profileSend private message
glycerine92
Joined: Dec 06 2008
Location: Pearland, TX
PostPosted: Aug 06 2009 12:14 am Reply with quote Back to top

The iphone is sick nasty. If you actually own one, there aren't many problems with it. I don't know where all these stories of faulty iphones are coming from. Also you will most likely use the internet you have to pay for alot, just because it's so damned convenient. In my opinion, switching would be worth it, especially if you're considering switching in the first place.


^^^All genius^^^
 
View user's profileSend private messageSend e-mail
username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
PostPosted: Aug 06 2009 12:17 am Reply with quote Back to top

Bouya wrote:
username wrote:
Bouya wrote:
I'm seriously debating breaking my verizon one for an AT+T contract so I can get an iphone.

i wouldnt. 900 minute + unlimited text + the data plan is $100/month.
$49.99 + $20 + $30. its nice and very fun to play with and having 3g anywhere is nice to go, but i dont think paying $100 + taxes per month is worth it.


It'd be about $30 more than I pay now, but after fiddling with one the other day I'm sold on it. The additional cost doesn't bother me, but I am curious to know what problems there have been with the hardware?

idk what problems there have been w/the hardware, and i dont feel like doing a google search, but if its only $30 more than what you currently pay, then the difference isnt that great. go for it. i liked the phone and i liked having internet access anywhere.


Klimbatize wrote:
I'll eat a turkey sandwich while blowing my load

 
View user's profileSend private messageAIM AddressYahoo MessengerMSN Messenger
Char Aznable
Title: Char Classic™
Joined: Jul 24 2006
Location: Robot Boombox HQ
PostPosted: Aug 06 2009 01:23 am Reply with quote Back to top

I'd seriously consider buying an iPhone 3G off of eBay and jailbreaking it so you can have all of the new 3GS features and more, and still keep the same network and plan.


Image
 
View user's profileSend private messageVisit poster's websiteAIM Address
Ermac
Title: Thread Killer
Joined: Aug 04 2008
Location: Outworld
PostPosted: Aug 06 2009 02:11 am Reply with quote Back to top

Ice2SeeYou wrote:
Pandajuice wrote:
Can't you just wait until it's a bit more economically feasible to get a new phone? Why do you need one right now?


But my GF and I text each other incessantly like 13-year old girls, so I really want one with a QWERTY keyboard.


trust me I know all about that,

this phone is epic win if you have a GF who is a textaholic and need something cheap and good

Kyoera Switchback

Image
View user's profileSend private messageAIM Address
GPFontaine
Joined: Dec 06 2007
Location: Connecticut
PostPosted: Aug 06 2009 07:08 am Reply with quote Back to top

Ermac, that thing looks like a battle tank.



 
View user's profileSend private messageVisit poster's website
S. McCracken
Moderator
Title: Enforcer
Joined: Aug 22 2005
Location: Massachusetts
PostPosted: Aug 06 2009 04:28 pm Reply with quote Back to top

I have the Palm Pre right now and I'm happy with it. There are barely any apps for it yet but it's still early. Some pretty sick syncing capabilities with GMail, Outlook, Facebook, etc. It's also smaller and better looking than the iPhone and it has a real sliding keyboard. I hate screen keyobards. I highly recommend it.


Image
 
View user's profileSend private messageVisit poster's websiteAIM Address
Char Aznable
Title: Char Classic™
Joined: Jul 24 2006
Location: Robot Boombox HQ
PostPosted: Aug 07 2009 02:49 am Reply with quote Back to top

I'd grab a Pre, but the commercials scare the hell out of me.


Image
 
View user's profileSend private messageVisit poster's websiteAIM Address
Ice2SeeYou
Title: Sexual Tyrannosaurus
Joined: Sep 28 2008
Location: South of Heaven
PostPosted: Aug 07 2009 09:27 am Reply with quote Back to top

S. McCracken wrote:
I have the Palm Pre right now and I'm happy with it. There are barely any apps for it yet but it's still early. Some pretty sick syncing capabilities with GMail, Outlook, Facebook, etc. It's also smaller and better looking than the iPhone and it has a real sliding keyboard. I hate screen keyobards. I highly recommend it.


Although I've never actually used a touch screen, I'm inclined to agree with you that I don't think I'd like it. I want a real QWERTY keyboard.


Sydlexia.com - Where miserable bastards meet to call each other retards.
 
View user's profileSend private message
username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
PostPosted: Aug 07 2009 10:37 am Reply with quote Back to top

Ice2SeeYou wrote:
S. McCracken wrote:
I have the Palm Pre right now and I'm happy with it. There are barely any apps for it yet but it's still early. Some pretty sick syncing capabilities with GMail, Outlook, Facebook, etc. It's also smaller and better looking than the iPhone and it has a real sliding keyboard. I hate screen keyobards. I highly recommend it.


Although I've never actually used a touch screen, I'm inclined to agree with you that I don't think I'd like it. I want a real QWERTY keyboard.

i use the touch screen on my iTouch and its not too bad. it only sucks when it tries to auto-correct your words or when it hits a different key instead of the one you wanted to use. but i guess you could have the same issue w/the small QWERTY keyboard


Klimbatize wrote:
I'll eat a turkey sandwich while blowing my load

 
View user's profileSend private messageAIM AddressYahoo MessengerMSN Messenger
Display posts from previous:      
Reply to topic

 
 Jump to: