Google cuts us a small break

It still will cost you, but not as much.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Though we're fond of the Nexus One as a cell phone, Google's extra "recovery fee" remains one of our complaints. Yes, we understand how phone subsidies and retailer commissions work, but the $350 charge plus the $200 T-Mobile early termination fee was more than the price of the unsubsidized model ($529).

It appears that Google is listening. The Wall Street Journal reported today that Google changed its terms of service on January 28. You'll still be paying a recovery fee, but Google has reduced it to $150. We still wonder exactly what an "equipment recovery fee" covers, but we appreciate the $200 break.

We can't take credit for the change, but we suppose that the FCC's new interest in ETFs played a role.