AT&T raises the ETF. Can I say buh-bye for free?
May 21, 2010 5:19 PM Subscribe
AT&T is raising their early termination fee. Does that mean I can get out of my contract for free?
AT&T has just raised their ETF. The way I understand it, this changes the terms of the contract I signed. Does this mean I can leave for free? I have seen postings around the web that have suggested it was possible when a cell phone company does something like raise text message pricing or something similar. But in this case, getting out of the ETF by raising the ETF seems contradictory.
AT&T has just raised their ETF. The way I understand it, this changes the terms of the contract I signed. Does this mean I can leave for free? I have seen postings around the web that have suggested it was possible when a cell phone company does something like raise text message pricing or something similar. But in this case, getting out of the ETF by raising the ETF seems contradictory.
Best answer: Current AT&T wireless customers who are within their two-year consumer service agreement or have an existing enterprise service agreement will see no change to their current terms.
Sounds like they are not changing terms for existing customers, only new customers.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:21 PM on May 21, 2010
Sounds like they are not changing terms for existing customers, only new customers.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:21 PM on May 21, 2010
My reading (as an iPhone user, so under AT&T contract) of the AT&T post is that the ETF doesn't change on my current contract, but if I upgrade this summer, i.e., buy the new iPhone that everyone expects Apple to announce later in the summer, the new ETF will apply to that contract.
So it wouldn't change your current contract and you wouldn't be eligible to leave.
On preview: or what BP said.
posted by immlass at 5:32 PM on May 21, 2010
So it wouldn't change your current contract and you wouldn't be eligible to leave.
On preview: or what BP said.
posted by immlass at 5:32 PM on May 21, 2010
Here is the verbiage from the service agreement:
posted by smackfu at 6:15 PM on May 21, 2010
if you terminate your service for any reason other than (a) in accordance with the cancellation policy; or (b) pursuant to a change of terms, conditions or rates as set forth below, you agree to pay us with respect to each device identifier or telephone number assigned to you, in addition to all other amounts owed, an Early Termination Fee of $175 ("Early Termination Fee")It doesn't seem like it applies in this case, but that is the means by which people get out of the ETF.
posted by smackfu at 6:15 PM on May 21, 2010
As an iPhone user I wonder whether The Great Satan will permit its subjects to purchase the new iPhone without re-signing a contract for a higher price.
This section gives me hope:
Of course, if you prefer not to enter into a term commitment, we offer the same great selection of devices at their full retail price with no term commitment or ETF…
I like your tags for this question.
posted by vkxmai at 6:47 PM on May 21, 2010
This section gives me hope:
Of course, if you prefer not to enter into a term commitment, we offer the same great selection of devices at their full retail price with no term commitment or ETF…
I like your tags for this question.
posted by vkxmai at 6:47 PM on May 21, 2010
Of course, if you prefer not to enter into a term commitment, we offer the same great selection of devices at their full retail price with no term commitment or ETF…
That means buying the iPhone at the no-commitment (non-subsidized) price, currently starting at $599 for the 3GS.
posted by 6550 at 9:13 PM on May 21, 2010
That means buying the iPhone at the no-commitment (non-subsidized) price, currently starting at $599 for the 3GS.
posted by 6550 at 9:13 PM on May 21, 2010
that decreasing etf thing is novel, i can't imagine that they did it with any kind of generosity in mind, but i can't seem to find any other angle. maybe they're just tired of everybody hating them so much, this is a good start, sort of.
posted by qbxk at 11:21 PM on May 21, 2010
posted by qbxk at 11:21 PM on May 21, 2010
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/legal/plan-terms.jsp
"Pricing/Taxes/No Proration: Final month's charges are not prorated. Prices are subject to change. Prices do not include taxes."
Just a fun little note when cancelling independent of if you are in contract. Not bitter.
posted by prak at 11:34 PM on May 21, 2010
"Pricing/Taxes/No Proration: Final month's charges are not prorated. Prices are subject to change. Prices do not include taxes."
Just a fun little note when cancelling independent of if you are in contract. Not bitter.
posted by prak at 11:34 PM on May 21, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks BP. I misses that when I looked.
posted by Silvertree at 5:43 AM on May 22, 2010
posted by Silvertree at 5:43 AM on May 22, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Silvertree at 5:20 PM on May 21, 2010