FCC Offers Consumers Advice On ETFs
May 26, 2010, 9:01 AM by Eric M. Zeman
Today the Federal Communications Commission published a set of guidelines for consumers to help educate them on early termination fees. It lists a number of things consumers can do to ensure they make informed decisions and avoid any extra charges. The FCC first recommends that consumers ask salespeople directly if/when ETFs apply and how much they are. It also recommends that consumers ask how ETFs are prorated over the course of a contract. The FCC says consumers should always ask if handsets can be purchased for full price to avoid ETFs. The FCC cautions against making changes to calling/data plans that might lengthen contracts and reset ETFs to a higher level. Consumers should be aware that most carriers offer a 14- to 30-day trial period during which new customers can leave without incurring an ETF. Consumers need to consult with the salesperson about the exact length of that trial period. Last, the FCC notes that those who use cell phones sparingly might opt for pre-paid services, which don't require contracts, instead of post-paid services. AT&T recently announced that it is increasing its ETF from $175 to $325 for smartphones and netbooks starting June 1. Verizon Wireless increased its ETF from $175 to $350 for advanced devices in November 2009.
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Comments
| Subject | Author | Date |
| Carriers should have to give terms in easy to read format | mbrenner |
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| Really? Really? Tell me something I don't already know.. | info411 |
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| Title should read... | trinbago |
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| pffft... | flagrantmisuse |
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