http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/ Engadget Mobile Comments for Verizon looking to bump early termination fee to $350 on 'advanced' devices http://mobile.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://mobile.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 9:10AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 3:40PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 9:30AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 10:00AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
On AT&T, that would be the iPhone 3G/S of course, so AT&T can't be far behind. Maybe it would be smart for AT&T to try to draw VZW customers away to them by NOT raising its ETF.

Anyone getting a Storm2 from Big Red? Haha...Well, you got 11 days to do it, with the low, low ETF of only $175. Go get, while the getting's good. ;)]]>Nov 4th 2009 11:13AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
Lets be honest here, you can all freak over a higher termination fee if you have a blackberry, but if the service works (which we all know it does), there is really no reason to terminate. Those reasons that are valid (ie death) get waived. Take a chill pill...

]]>Nov 5th 2009 9:54PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 10:15AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
http://www.blackberrybold2.com]]>Nov 4th 2009 10:32AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 10:34AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 10:37AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 10:54AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/With all that being said, I'm leaving Verizon come January when my fiancee's contract is up on our family plan.
I love the speedy csr pickups. I'm never on hold for more than a few minutes when I call, unlike when I was on Sprint and would sit on hold for 45 minutes on the regular disputing charges and other problems.
But, Verizon not just with this retarded INCREASE for an ETF, but when I went to purchase the HTC Hero since I'm available for an upgrade I was informed of Verizons mandatory data service plan for all PDA phones.

I don't want and don't need the web. I need it for texting, I prefer the qwerty style keyboard that I've had dating back to my Palm Treo 600. CSR pointed me to 2 garbage flip phones, which are not what I want. SO here I sit with my old garbage Moto Q 9m which I hated from the initial purchase date. It's buggy, freezes all the time, text messaging and winmo 6 are just garbage.

If I'm being forced to pay an additional 700+ dollars for an overpriced data service I might as well get a damn BlackBerry. The nickle and dime'ing is atrocious and I can't wait to leave the network now. My fiance' has the LG Voyager which she doesn't need the data plan for either.

When the time comes it'll be an iPhone or a BlackBerry on a network that won't be as solid as Verizon's but it will be more flexable hopefully. Hell, I'm even willing to deal with the constant Tmobile outages in NY (there was a big one last night for a few hours) if it means saving a few bucks and not having to worry about being locked in for a 700 dollar ETF for 2 phones on Verizon.

Did I mention I love my Fios tv service? Because I do although the dvr software is quite slow on being responsive but the PQ is far better than anything I ever had on TWC. ]]>Nov 4th 2009 11:03AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/I love the speedy csr pickups. I'm never on hold for more than a few minutes when I call, unlike when I was on Sprint and would sit on hold for 45 minutes on the regular disputing charges and other problems.
But, Verizon not just with this retarded INCREASE for an ETF, but when I went to purchase the HTC Hero since I'm available for an upgrade I was informed of Verizons mandatory data service plan for all PDA phones.

I don't want and don't need the web. I need it for texting, I prefer the qwerty style keyboard that I've had dating back to my Palm Treo 600. CSR pointed me to 2 garbage flip phones, which are not what I want. SO here I sit with my old garbage Moto Q 9m which I hated from the initial purchase date. It's buggy, freezes all the time, text messaging and winmo 6 are just garbage.

If I'm being forced to pay an additional 700+ dollars for an overpriced data service I might as well get a damn BlackBerry. The nickle and dime'ing is atrocious and I can't wait to leave the network now. My fiance' has the LG Voyager which she doesn't need the data plan for either.

When the time comes it'll be an iPhone or a BlackBerry on a network that won't be as solid as Verizon's but it will be more flexable hopefully. Hell, I'm even willing to deal with the constant Tmobile outages in NY (there was a big one last night for a few hours) if it means saving a few bucks and not having to worry about being locked in for a 700 dollar ETF for 2 phones on Verizon."

iphone? You mean the ADVANCED DEVICE that at&t (Yes that is the correct way to post the logo, all lowercase because it's not the ORIGINAL, It's Southwestern Bell Corp (AKA SBC Global) renamed yet again) will require you to have a DATA PLAN to activate? (Check the terms of service and READ the contract!) The phone that just got MMS capability? That AMAZING new feature?

Texting on a qwerty keyboard? Plenty of REGULAR cell phone currently have that option! You even mentioned one - Voyagers do not require a PDA plan, they are not a PDA. Other options include the EnV3 and EnV Touch, Samsung Alias 2, and Samsung Intensity.

But maybe the qwerty keyboard is not the only issue.

Too funny.... If you don't need a PDA, DON'T get one! It's that simple. If you're only getting a PDA to look like a grown up, then don't bitch about having to pay the bill, that's what grown ups do, pay the bill.


]]>Nov 4th 2009 12:51PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phones/pda-phones-smartphones.jsp#sku3750232_a|||typcat1003=cat1003

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-Phone-Detail.aspx?cell-phone=HTC-Touch-Pro-2]]>Nov 4th 2009 12:54PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 1:30PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
*click* and rightfully so I was out of line, but with my next phone call to sprint an hour later I finally had my service terminated with them.


And then 3 months later I had an ETF and bill for 3 months of service after I cancelled the service which I still get calls for eventhough I've sent letters and past bill statements and trying to go through csr to have it all removed. They don't care obviously and it's no wonder why they've lost 2 million plus customers over the past year. I hope they go the way of Worldcom as well.]]>Nov 4th 2009 11:09AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 11:17AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 11:26AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/05/palm-pre-hits-ebay-prior-to-official-launch-just-900-and-a-fis/

]]>Nov 4th 2009 11:40AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 11:55AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/1) I am American, born and raised
2) I have worked in the past for more than one communications company.

I thought I was reading a tech and news forum. A place for sharing ideas. What a joke!
1) Piss poor reporting to add your own personal opinion and commentary to a news story.
2)Grow up and get a damned life or better yet, cry more cabin boys of the world. You want everything handed to you foor free. You bitch and moan over data plan requirements but when data plans weren't required you WHINED and SCREAMED about being charged for data usage on pay as you go pricing plans!
3)When will you morons get it through your thick uneducated skulls that NO CARRIER manufactures the phones. That is the MANUFACTURER's territory or Job! Carriers don't get these things for free, they have to pay for them! You get phones for less than retail price because EVERY REAL carrier gets rated by Wallstreet for the number of customers they have under contract! And if you were one of the people opening a line to get a free phone just to sell on e-bay and then cancelling the service, well sad little child, you should be thankful that you're only paying an Early Termination Fee.
Rule # 1 of any business contract, for those of you whom were never taught by your mommy, daddy,high school or , laughably whatever papermill gave you your "degree", READ it before You sign it!
Rule #2 of any business contract, cell phone service, credit card agreement, house purchase, employment offer .... whatever... If you break it EXPECT a PENALTY!!

In my opinion, the penalties for breaking the contracts should be even higher than what they are.
]]>Nov 4th 2009 12:16PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 1:32PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
well, maybe it's because *I* didn't, but it sounds EXACTLY like something I would say, and probably have said in the past.

Grown Up is a perfect moniker in a situation like this.]]>Nov 4th 2009 2:12PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
If you can't stomach the terms in your contract, don't sign on the dotted line. You did read it, didn't you?

Either pay the retail price for the device and go month-to-month on your plan, or be prepared to pay ETF. It's not sexy advice, but it's simple, and it won't make you an indentured servant to a contract. Can't afford retail? Then you can't afford the device, or the plan. ]]>Nov 4th 2009 3:01PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 3:45PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 1:39PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 2:04PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 3:19PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
", this pretty much guarantees that you won't be adding a line, disconnecting and then flipping that phone on eBay."

exactly

]]>Nov 4th 2009 4:53PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/.>

Great, now dropping a line on the last month (or day) of the contract will still cost you $110.. or you wait and pay your $60 phone bill then port out...

Just looks like a money gouging and inconveniencing customers to me. If they wanted to stop 'flipping' make the term fee $200 (reduced by $7/month like sprint). Now add in a $250 penalty for canceling service after 30 days but before 4 months (with exceptions, military, etc.)

Price to cancel Timeline:
31 days: $443
3 months: $429
4 months: $174
1 year: $116
23 months: $39

Given that the minimum plan for a smartphone is $70/month, after 3 months of service the customer already paid $200 to the company (company recoups most of losses)..

Hell, now that I think about it, it's a commissioned system. Verizon makes out like a BANDIT here..
1) They gained money from selling the phone to that retailer
2) They revoke payment to retailer for the account closing w/in 6 months
3) They collect ETF (and dont return any of that money to retailer)
4) They collect first bill from customer

Per 31-day cancellation Verizon will make a profit on this of:
~$10-40 per phone
~$350 ETF
~$70 First bill (before taxes, which doesn't really profit vzw)
~$35 Act. fee

If I were Verizon I'd be franchising out the business, $465-$500 profit per cancellation (remember, the phone was bought by the 3rd party vendor -- Walmart, letstalk, wirefly, Best Buy -- and not a company cost, plus their phones (generally) only work on their network so whomever buys the phone = more profit for VZW from data fees!)

And Yes, before you say so, Walmart sells it's cell phones through Letstalk, and Letstalk & Wirefly have huge penalties to recoup their losses (See point #1 & 2 above). So really just Verizon corporate stores take the beatings... and Best Buy.


Well, anyway, what a dashing tale of greed. Glad I'll be grandfathered -- but this will really make me consider switching when I have to resign]]>Nov 4th 2009 5:02PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 4th 2009 6:50PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 5th 2009 12:37AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/
As for the Bitter Beer Face BS, why is it bitter to take a shot at Apple and at&t? It is competition. Period. Apple plays this game with little or no consequence all the time... why is it that they should be impervious to such things? Verizon has a good product that they can answer back with with some valid points, why is it "bitter" to flaunt those advantages they have? ]]>Nov 4th 2009 9:17PMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 5th 2009 12:22AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/Nov 5th 2009 12:44AMhttp://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://mobile.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/http://www.fixmycellbill.com (and I'll add that 22 percent equates to over $450 per year for the average user).

You can find out for free if fixmycellbill.com can modify your plan to better suit your individual needs by going to the website. Check out Validas in the media, most recently on Fox News at http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/consumer/conlaw/lower_cell_phone_bills_072409 .

Good luck to everyone reading on retaking control over your wireless expenses.

Dylan
Consumer Advocacy, Fixmycellbill.com]]>Nov 16th 2009 9:54PM