A possible chance to get out of your VZW contract fee free comes July 1st.

[3devious]

It might by kind of petty to cancel your contract over 3 cents, but they are charging it because they want to, not because the government is making them.

This is the article I found at the Consumerist.

I don't have any plans to take advantage of this unless the XOOM does not have LTE by the end of the 60 day window and I might still be hard pressed to consider it even then but I'm kind of an idiot.

 

[iWallace]

If I have a family plan, is there any way to use this to cancel just one line? (not the primary line.) And if so, would I be able to add another line like a day later and get a new 4g phone with it?

 

[dautley]

Just ran across this. If you want to ditch Verizon and play your cards right you may be able to get out now with no early termination fee.

New Verizon Fee Increase May Allow You To Break Your Contract With No Early Termination Fee

 

[HeHatesMe]

Sorry guys, this has already been addressed by Verizon. For the people that call in, Verizon is creditting you .03 for each remaining month on your contract. They aren't going to lose major money over this.

 

[3devious]

Lol, I hope that it all works out. Do you have to call and complain to get the 3 cents or they giving everyone the credit.

Do you only get the credit if you leave?

 

[Rhystatic]

Creditting your account is still not legally the same. You can still cancel.

Get-Out-of-Verizon-Contract-Jail-Free Card: Increased Regulatory Fee Means Penalty Free Exit | Stop the Cap!

My question to you is this. If I cancel my account before the 7th and start a new 2 year, I know I can keep my unlimited plan. My question is, if I cancel after the 7th (sometime around when the Bionic comes out ) will I be able to keep my unlimited data plan?

 

[drdoom]

Creditting your account is still not legally the same. You can still cancel.

Get-Out-of-Verizon-Contract-Jail-Free Card: Increased Regulatory Fee Means Penalty Free Exit | Stop the Cap!

My question to you is this. If I cancel my account before the 7th and start a new 2 year, I know I can keep my unlimited plan. My question is, if I cancel after the 7th (sometime around when the Bionic comes out ) will I be able to keep my unlimited data plan?

No, they will completely terminate your contract with Verizon. In addition to losing your account, your name will also be blacklisted so you will be unable to get out of your contract in a similar matter should you choose to sign up for a new contract.

 

[HeHatesMe]

Creditting your account is still not legally the same. You can still cancel.

Get-Out-of-Verizon-Contract-Jail-Free Card: Increased Regulatory Fee Means Penalty Free Exit | Stop the Cap!

My question to you is this. If I cancel my account before the 7th and start a new 2 year, I know I can keep my unlimited plan. My question is, if I cancel after the 7th (sometime around when the Bionic comes out ) will I be able to keep my unlimited data plan?

Just because you read something on the web, does not make it fact. You will not be able to cancel your contract without termination fees whether you speak to the rep, supervisor, or anyone else. They will credit your .03 a month, then refer you to this part of your contract:

 

[Deleted User]

Isn't it still technically a "materially adverse" effect? Even if it was still 1 penny instead of 3? Nonetheless it would be adverse.
Even though they say "and the amounts and what they pay for may change", doesn't mean they have to be accepted by the consumer.

My family and I are really wanting to swap to Sprint simply because our family plan is pretty expensive at this point...hence I'm hoping to take advantage of this $.03 change, if even for a decrease in ETF.

 

[HeHatesMe]

Isn't it still technically a "materially adverse" effect? Even if it was still 1 penny instead of 3? Nonetheless it would be adverse.
Even though they say "and the amounts and what they pay for may change", doesn't mean they have to be accepted by the consumer.

My family and I are really wanting to swap to Sprint simply because our family plan is pretty expensive at this point...hence I'm hoping to take advantage of this $.03 change, if even for a decrease in ETF.

Whether it is adverse or not, trying to get out of your contract due to this change will not get you far. I don't know how else to say it... ultimately, it will take you going to small claims court or a class action lawsuit.. I promise, there is zero way that reps, supervisors, or directors are able to waive or lower your etf due to this.

 

[esone1ll]

Whether it is adverse or not, trying to get out of your contract due to this change will not get you far. I don't know how else to say it... ultimately, it will take you going to small claims court or a class action lawsuit.. I promise, there is zero way that reps, supervisors, or directors are able to waive or lower your etf due to this.

Hello HHM,

Thanks for your replies (here and elsewhere). I wonder if the past 11 days have changed the situation at the VZW brass at all.

It's pretty clear to me that this is a breach of contract, and that the Customer Agreement Customer Agreement | Verizon Wireless expressly allows VZW subscribers to cancel without an ETF if they change the price.

Thanks,

 

[HeHatesMe]

Hello HHM,

Thanks for your replies (here and elsewhere). I wonder if the past 11 days have changed the situation at the VZW brass at all.

It's pretty clear to me that this is a breach of contract, and that the Customer Agreement Customer Agreement | Verizon Wireless expressly allows VZW subscribers to cancel without an ETF if they change the price.

Thanks,

No problem at all.

Unfortunately, VZW's stance regarding regulatory fees have not changed a bit. They are having us site this paragraph:

What Charges Are Set by Verizon Wireless?

You agree to pay all access, usage and other charges that you or the user of your wireless device incurred. For Postpay Service, our charges also include Federal Universal Service, Regulatory and Administrative Charges, and we may also include other charges related to our governmental costs. We set these charges; they aren't taxes, they aren't required by law, they are kept by us in whole or in part, and the amounts and what they pay for may change.


The working between that paragraph and the one where you cancel if there are adverse changes are purposely worded vaguely. Ultimately, it will take a small claims case for you to get your ETF fee waived (if that even works) or a class action suit to be brought forth.

 

[Yeahha]

If it were regulatory wouldn't it be across all carriers not just Verizon?

 

[VZW_CS]

If it were regulatory wouldn't it be across all carriers not just Verizon?

Regulatory fees are billed by all wireless carriers.

I hope this information is helpful, thank you!

VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

 

[moondrius]

Regulatory fees are billed by all wireless carriers.

I hope this information is helpful, thank you!

VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Yeah and they are all different. Its not a tax its an additional fee that goes straight into Verizons pocket. Based on what I was told they could have raised it $5 a month and we would have been screwed because it is subject to change in the contract. Verizon claims only a plan increase can have a "material adverse effect" to get out of a contract. They put that the fees are subject to change just so they can charge you whatever the hell they want and get away with it.

 

[urdaddi]

Yeah and they are all different. Its not a tax its an additional fee that goes straight into Verizons pocket. Based on what I was told they could have raised it $5 a month and we would have been screwed because it is subject to change in the contract. Verizon claims only a plan increase can have a "material adverse effect" to get out of a contract. They put that the fees are subject to change just so they can charge you whatever the hell they want and get away with it.

Yeah, well here is the thing...if you don't agree to it then simply do not sign the contract.

It is really hard to have a basis to complain about something that you have agreed to in the first place.

 

[dautley]

The real question is can Verizon legally change fees that have nothing to do with anything by their own admission without providing a reason that the FTC/FCC, or a judge will approve of?

 

[evolution3d]

This actually worked for me. I ported my number out to Sprint first and then called in and asked for the fee to be waived. Well, I didn't really ask, I told them I was "calling in to make sure my ETF was waived per the customer agreement." They of course tried to dance around it, but the key is to remain professional, don't get angry or argue, and just read the agreement back to them verbatim. They HAVE to let you out.

 

[HeHatesMe]

This actually worked for me. I ported my number out to Sprint first and then called in and asked for the fee to be waived. Well, I didn't really ask, I told them I was "calling in to make sure my ETF was waived per the customer agreement." They of course tried to dance around it, but the key is to remain professional, don't get angry or argue, and just read the agreement back to them verbatim. They HAVE to let you out.

I would call and speak to another rep for confirmation.

A) That fee can't be waived, it would be billed to you and then creditted.
B) Not even a loyalty rep can credit back an ETF.
C) Even after a supervisor credits the ETF, it goes through an audit team.

That being said, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see an ETF show up on your last invoice from Verizon. They will tell you it was declined and that they informed you of the ETF, but you went ahead and ported out knowing you would be responsible. Just giving you a heads up.

 

[evolution3d]

I would call and speak to another rep for confirmation.

A) That fee can't be waived, it would be billed to you and then creditted.
B) Not even a loyalty rep can credit back an ETF.
C) Even after a supervisor credits the ETF, it goes through an audit team.

That being said, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see an ETF show up on your last invoice from Verizon. They will tell you it was declined and that they informed you of the ETF, but you went ahead and ported out knowing you would be responsible. Just giving you a heads up.

I have the name and extension of the rep who I spoke to, as well as the time and date for confirmation. My call is recorded and will be honored.

A) The rep stated this to me, and stated that a follow up note will be placed to credit the fee once it is billed. (I worked at a Verizon retail store and am familiar with this practice.)
B) Yes, they can. They submit the credit and then it is approved or denied on the back end. They have to have a method of crediting ETF, how else would they do it in the event of death or moving out of coverage area (out of the country basically)?
C)The audit team will have to approve the credit.

It won't surprise me if it comes on a bill either, as you previously stated, the fee has to be billed and then credited. I won't really be surprised if I have to call back in either. In the end though, they will HAVE to credit it. Yes, I signed an agreement. An agreement that states the following:

Can Verizon Wireless Change This Agreement or My Service?

We may change prices or any other term of your Service or this agreement at any time,but we'll provide notice first, including written notice if you have Postpay Service. If you use your Service after the change takes effect, that means you're accepting the change. If you're a Postpay customer and a change to your Plan or this agreement has a material adverse effect on you, you can cancel the line of Service that has been affected within 60 days of receiving the notice with no early termination fee.

A customer agreement doesn't work just one way. It is a pledge to provide a service at a particular rate. It's not just a tool for companies to go around charging ETF's. Verizon has to hold up their end of the contract as well.

 

[.MgB.]

This is not true. Verizon will credit you $.03 for every month you have left on your contract. If you still wish to cancel your line you are subject to ETF. Good luck cancelling without ETF, I doubt you'll win.

 

[evolution3d]

This is not true. Verizon will credit you $.03 for every month you have left on your contract. If you still wish to cancel your line you are subject to ETF. Good luck cancelling without ETF, I doubt you'll win.

Has no one read anything I've posted? They MUST, MUST, MUST let you out of the contract without ETF. This is CLEARLY stated in the customer agreement. Cancel first, then they can't offer you a credit. It's amazing how consumers so easily give up. This is why these major corporations get away with this crap. You might just say oh it's just 3 cents... well there's other ways of looking at this.

1.) It's a 23% increase to the regulatory fee. That's pretty substantial. What if they started doing this every month?

2.) 3 cents per customer is a $3.2 million per month increase in revenue for Verizon. We cannot allow these companies to nickel and dime more revenue out of us when they are already making a fortune overcharging.

The customer agreement IS NOT just a way for Verizon to charge ETF's. It is an agreement to provide a specific service at a specific rate for 2 years.

If Verizon wanted to do this correctly and per the customer agreement without allowing you out of your contract then they would have notified you that the regulatory charge would increase after your contract expires.

 

[HeHatesMe]

Has no one read anything I've posted? They MUST, MUST, MUST let you out of the contract without ETF. This is CLEARLY stated in the customer agreement. Cancel first, then they can't offer you a credit. It's amazing how consumers so easily give up. This is why these major corporations get away with this crap. You might just say oh it's just 3 cents... well there's other ways of looking at this.

1.) It's a 23% increase to the regulatory fee. That's pretty substantial. What if they started doing this every month?

2.) 3 cents per customer is a $3.2 million per month increase in revenue for Verizon. We cannot allow these companies to nickel and dime more revenue out of us when they are already making a fortune overcharging.

The customer agreement IS NOT just a way for Verizon to charge ETF's. It is an agreement to provide a specific service at a specific rate for 2 years.

If Verizon wanted to do this correctly and per the customer agreement without allowing you out of your contract then they would have notified you that the regulatory charge would increase after your contract expires.

Calm down, skippy. I was only giving you advice being that I was a Verizon Loyalty Rep until recently and we were handed VERY specific instructions from above that we COULD NOT waive an ETF over this issue. Again, I was just advising you to call back and confirm, but if you are so confident, then hey.. great.

Verizon (and their lawyers) quote this paragraph of the agreement:

 

[urdaddi]

Has no one read anything I've posted? They MUST, MUST, MUST let you out of the contract without ETF. This is CLEARLY stated in the customer agreement. Cancel first, then they can't offer you a credit. It's amazing how consumers so easily give up. This is why these major corporations get away with this crap. You might just say oh it's just 3 cents... well there's other ways of looking at this.

1.) It's a 23% increase to the regulatory fee. That's pretty substantial. What if they started doing this every month?

2.) 3 cents per customer is a $3.2 million per month increase in revenue for Verizon. We cannot allow these companies to nickel and dime more revenue out of us when they are already making a fortune overcharging.

The customer agreement IS NOT just a way for Verizon to charge ETF's. It is an agreement to provide a specific service at a specific rate for 2 years.

If Verizon wanted to do this correctly and per the customer agreement without allowing you out of your contract then they would have notified you that the regulatory charge would increase after your contract expires.

No matter how you look at it, trying to argue or use as some excuse a .03 increase in a fee is just goofy. What you are advising people to do is not going to work the way you claim it will for most people. They will end up getting charged for the EFT. I am betting that if any of these even get to court they will lose based on the fact that it is in the contract that you agree to pay all fees. They are not actually changing your PLAN rate.

 

[evolution3d]

Calm down, skippy. I was only giving you advice being that I was a Verizon Loyalty Rep until recently and we were handed VERY specific instructions from above that we COULD NOT waive an ETF over this issue. Again, I was just advising you to call back and confirm, but if you are so confident, then hey.. great.

Verizon (and their lawyers) quote this paragraph of the agreement: