Sprint raises fee, but won't free users from two-year contracts

[rsmith6621]

http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/29/8020661-sprint-raises-fee-but-wont-free-users-from-two-year-contracts

By Bob Sullivan

Getting out of cell phone jail is among the more vexing problems for electronics consumers. In most cases, a new handset means a new two-year commitment -- and that, in turn, can mean missing out on the latest gadget, like the new iPhone, or putting up with inferior service while riding out a contract.

For years, however, savvy users have known about the occasional “get out of jail free” card that sometimes appears like manna from gadget Heaven -- the "material change in contract.” If a cell service provider changes the terms of the two-year agreement, consumers have the right to escape their contracts and achieve cell phone free agency. Each time a firm has made such a change -- such as when Sprint raised its administrative fee to 99 cents per line in 2008 -- users have leapt at the chance to jump ship without a dreaded early-termination fee (ETF).

But Sprint has wised up in this cat-and-mouse game, much to the chagrin of users who'd like out of their contracts with the firm right now. The resulting dispute has consumers crying foul, and accusing Sprint of doctoring contracts to hold on to customers against their will.

[Goblinmonger]

1. Go on US Cellular's Believe plan

and avoid this frickin' nonsense.

[ixion]

2. the cell phone industry is ripe for some heavy-duty regulation

in my opinion. Two-year contracts with ever increasing fees and penalties isn't "free market," it's highway robbery.

[truebrit71]

3. Amen to that!

...I will be shopping around if the T-Mobile/AT&T-NSA merger goes through....I'll be dipped in shit if I stay with AT&T-NSA...if I wanted shit service, over-priced plans, and tons of dropped calls I'd have signed up with them in the first place...

[MineralMan]

4. I like my TracFone. It's off unless I want to make a call.

Affordable, simple, and controllable.

[exboyfil]

5. Yep we have two Tracfones in our house

Less than $10/mo. for each phone. Kids are pushing me to get a four cell phone plan with texting. I have resisted to this point. The texting is the biggest problem. I still do not see the allure.

[spartan61]

6. I actually paid the $150 to get out of my ATT contract so

I could get a Tracfon. When I crunched the numbers, it was cheaper than paying $50 per month for about 10 minutes that I used my cell phone each month. Also, I couldn't get ATT service in some parts of Maine and with the Tracfon that isn't a problem.

[dtexdem]

7. Sprint, can you hear them now?

Sprint users, drop Sprint when you are able and sign on with Credo.