Getting out of a cell phone contract can be tricky business. You have a specific window of time that allows you to cancel the contract without any financial ramifications. After that window has closed, you can expect to pay a fairly substantial cancellation fee. In fact, a cell phone contract sometime seems more iron-clad than some personal relationships.
When you set out to rid yourself of your cell phone contract, there are several components of your contract that you’ll need to arm yourself with. Read your contract to find out which of these components apply to your situation.
Initial Review Phase – Many cell phone contracts allow you to cancel your contract during the first month of service. You’ll need to return all of your equipment, though, in its original packaging, so be sure to keep it all intact. Refer to the documentation you received when you signed your service agreement to find out exactly how long you have to decide if you want to keep your service.
Contract Length – Depending upon when you signed your agreement and the length of your contract, you may not even be under a contract anymore. If you’ve kept your service for the duration of your contract, you can simply call your cell phone service provider and terminate your service. You should note, however, that if you’ve recently made a change to your service (changed plans or got a new phone), you probably agreed to extend your contract when you made the change. If you’re not sure when your current contract expires, call your cell phone company’s customer service line to find out.
Early Termination Fee – Almost everyone who cancels their cell phone contract before its expiration date is subject to an early terminator fee. The fee varies between cell phone service providers but is usually around $200. “Wow,” you might say, “that’s pretty steep!” You’re right, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t cancel your contract. For instance, if you’re spending $100 each month on your cell phone bill and you’re still eight months away from completing your contract, paying the $200 cancellation fee is a great deal cheaper than riding out your contract and paying $800.
Armed with all of the facts about your cell phone contract, now you’re ready to make a decision about canceling your service. Once you’ve made up your mind, you should call your provider and let them know that you wish to terminate your service. Then, follow that call up with a letter. Before you know, your cell phone contract will be a thing of the past.
{ 0 comments… add one now }