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November 4, 2009 10:35 AM PST
Verizon to raise early termination fees for 'advanced devices'
(Credit:
Boy Genius Report)
Aside from the cost of the device and the expensive monthly plan, you might have to face an additional charge just for the privilege of getting a smartphone.
According to a document found by the Boy Genius Report, Verizon Wireless has raised its $175 early termination fee to a whopping $350 specifically for "advanced devices," which probably includes all smartphones. The termination fee won't stay at $350 however: the sum will decrease by $10 for every month of service.
This isn't exactly painting Verizon Wireless in a positive light here, though we suspect it's just a way for the carrier to prevent customers from dropping a phone and selling it for a premium on eBay or Craigslist. The new $350 ETF will go into effect on November 15.
Nicole Lee is an associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also pretty geeky--she likes World of Warcraft, comic books, and shiny gadgets. E-mail Nicole.
Bonnie Cha reviews the
latest smart phones, PDAs, and GPS devices, helping CNET readers get
their hands on the latest mobile electronics. 
Kent German is CNET's
cell phone editor and has been following the wireless industry for
seven years. He's embarrassed to admit he can name almost any cell
phone he sees on the street. 
Nicole Lee reviews cell
phones and their accessories for CNET, thus satisfying her love for all
things small, shiny, and digital.
If the charge goes down only $10/month and not $14.50 (350/24) that's not real prorating now, is it?
@EzBulka it says only customers purchasing a new device with a NEW contract will have an early termination fee increase.
But this still means that as long as you stay with the company for as long as you sign up for there will be no change after 11/15/2009.
So lets say you get into this Sony deal for $300 up front plus a two year contract. Then lets say just five months in, you decide for whatever reason, that you no longer want to be in this contract. Just assuming that there are no other hidden fees, which Verizon are masters of hitting you with, you are now $800 to $1000 into this laptop. Explain why I need to still be hit with a massive termination fee?
If you think that the $800 price tag, that is offered to the consumer, is the same price that a business will pay to resell the same item, then you don't have a firm grasp on basic business. Verizon will buy these PC's in MASS quantities, and will get a nice discount from Sony, otherwise it wouldn't be worth Verizon's time and money. Business that are successful over long term, do not get that way by buying high and selling low.
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by AmberView
November 5, 2009 10:03 AM PST
- My advice to consumers would be to look to another provider. Yes, Verizon does have the superior coverage, but if you're not a world traveler, or live in a largely rural area, then more than likely, there are other providers that wold serve you just as well. More than likely, they'll also have better phone hardware. Don't be afraid to ask around. Inquire to your friends and peers about what service they use, and how they feel about their service. Not their phones, but their SERVICE. Get a feel for your other options.
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by ywkhgqo
November 5, 2009 12:48 PM PST
- look up the droid, and tell me its a "subpar headset"
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by AmberView
November 5, 2009 1:49 PM PST
- And in the time line of the modern next gen handsets, how many have been on Verizon? How long has Verizon had the Droid? Verizon is extremely late in the game when it comes to having cutting edge hand sets, and that's a known fact. The Droid IS a nice phone, but not nice enough to keep me interested in supporting a company that does things like this.
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(16 Comments)To Verizon, I would say, for a company that offers a great network, with bellow sub par handsets, and extra charges up the wazoo; you have some serious balls. I'm glad I just closed my account EARLY, sold my BB Storm, and jumped ship after four years, and going to AT&T. This latest news just cements that feeling.
I would also put out the question, that if Verizon actually tries this, how soon will they be right back in court, facing another class action suit.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2325287,00.asp
Aside from having balls of steal, pun intended, they also seem to suffer from short term memory loss.