09-29-2005, 11:48 PM

Does anyone have a sure fire as to how to get out of a cell phone contract without paying the 150 dollar fee?

09-29-2005, 11:52 PM

Nope, that would be illegal, hence the point of a contract

09-30-2005, 01:05 AM

I want out because I dont get reception in my new apartment, but yet it is only this particular company that doesn't get reception inside of it, both my roomates get reception, just me. stupid company.

09-30-2005, 02:58 AM

http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/co...es/000732.html

09-30-2005, 03:05 AM

Thats exactly my problem, I moved into a "dead zone" and unfortunately my cell phone is my house phone, so basically I dont have a phone when I am home.

The cell phone company specifically stated in contract, this is where I am getting hosed, that the phone may not work in certain areas, specifcally buildings, that are still in network.

And unfortunatly being "deployable with an hours notice" I need a phone. I am hosed.

09-30-2005, 04:47 AM

Can you maybe "sell" the contract to someone who has reception?
As a bonus, give that person the included phone for free.

I'd also try to speak to someone in a senior position at the provider - see if you can't work something out. If that doesn't work, threaten to start a website documenting their service. (Note: Make sure you present things accurately so it isn't slander).

09-30-2005, 07:16 AM

Last year my dorm had no reception for any cell companies unless you left it near at the window. It was the only dorm like it but it sucked, I was only 3 months into a 2 year contract at that point so I had to wait it out, but this year my dorm has no issues which is fine

09-30-2005, 01:09 PM

I dont get reception until 15 ft into the parking lot and it makes me so mad, its just aggravating. After talking to them 3 more times last night I am still pretty sure I am screwed.

09-30-2005, 02:05 PM

If worst comes to worst explain your situation to your provider, they might feel sorry for you.

09-30-2005, 02:18 PM

How far into the contract are you? Most providers have a 30 day "Buyer's Remorse" clause that will allow you to cancel without penalty. You should check your agreement to see if you have something like that. However, if you are past that, then you are out of luck.

If worst comes to worst explain your situation to your provider, they might feel sorry for you.

I am sure they will, but that doesn't mean they will do anything about it, or not charge an ETF if its past 30 days:black:

threaten to start a website documenting their service. (Note: Make sure you present things accurately so it isn't slander).

Those sites are a dime a dozen and never seem to hinder anything. The only thing they do seem to do is make the consumer feel better and work as a theraputic outlet. It does nothing to mar the company or blacken their record one bit.
I can also tell you from personal experience, that threats like that are never taken seriously and don't help anyone's cause one bit. When I worked at EarthLink, I was a Tier 3 "Escalation Specialist" as part of my job. The only customers I ever spoke to were the really irate ones. Now I did my best to work out a situation or problem, but there are times when there really is no solution to a person's situation or demand. And every time that something didn't go exactly the way a customer wanted it to, I was threatened with legal action, news stories against the company, class-action suits, and any other sort of negativity against the company or myself personally on a daily basis. All of these threats, literally thousands of them...yet I was never called to court, never summoned for any sort of testimony and never saw any stories in the WSJ, NewYork Times, Newsweek, never saw the exposes on CNN, MSNBC, C-Span..etc.
If you truly feel that you are being treated unfairly, you can file a report with the BBB, and maybe even send a formal letter of complaint to sites like www.theripoffreport.com or www.planetfeedback.com. These sites will actually send your letters to the appropriate parties at the companies, that you the consumer would never be able to contact personally.
Still, the TOS for companies like ISP's and cellphone providers are very detailed and precise and cover the companies rearends in every way imaginable. Becoming yet another person making another hollow threat to spread bad word of mouth isn't going to phase the company one bit, nor help anyone's cause.

09-30-2005, 03:34 PM

I was told recently that the BBB doesn't go after the offending company, but files the report and has their name on a blacklist. If no one peruses the list through the BBB no one is the wiser.

09-30-2005, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by deus_ex_machina

I was told recently that the BBB doesn't go after the offending company, but files the report and has their name on a blacklist. If no one peruses the list through the BBB no one is the wiser.

This is true. Still, if enough reports are made through the BBB it can make a difference. Media outlets like Consumer Reports, and Good Housekeeping DO pay attention to BBB reports. Now when a widely recognized and respected name like Consumer Reports says in effect that your company "sucks", well that can and does have a negative effect on your company. :black:

09-30-2005, 03:51 PM

ahhh... last thing to wonder is how many people you would have to aggravate to get Consumer Reports to give you a bad rep

09-30-2005, 03:59 PM

I honestly dont feel I am being treated unfairly, I do think it sucks that they dont guarntee that a phone will work as long as it is in service area and is up to date on all software updates and what not.

I am really starting to think I am out of luck. However, a buddy of mine from high school works for this company and I am going to talk to him later today hopefully something might pan out.

09-30-2005, 04:00 PM

Basic phone service in most places in the US is less than $20/month, including Tax. Just get a regular phone until your crappy provider fixes the issue or your contract expires.