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Any good methods to break a verizon phone contract without ETF?

C

Chiropteran

Diamond Member
Google gave me a few sites and even videos talking about a federal subscriber charge that could be argued as a change in price and grounds to end your contract without paying an ETF. However, it looks like the current version of the subscriber agreement closed that loophole.

Anyone have any luck with this lately, or any good ideas to try with my verizon rep? I want out, Verizon sucks.
 
AstroManLuca said:
If you have unlimited data just start tethering your computer and streaming Netflix 24/7, they'll boot you.
Click to expand...

Not sure if you are joking but that gives me a good idea. I'm pretty sure tethering is forbidden in the TOS at some part, but nothing prevents me from streaming data directly to the phone 24/7. I think it's time to start downloading linux iso's
 
In short, no. If you have moved into an area without coverage, they may listen, but your chances aren't good.

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
 
Chiropteran said:
Not sure if you are joking but that gives me a good idea. I'm pretty sure tethering is forbidden in the TOS at some part, but nothing prevents me from streaming data directly to the phone 24/7. I think it's time to start downloading linux iso's
Click to expand...

To clarify, I think I saw one guy on Howard Forums say he was fed up with Verizon and wanted to leave ETF-free so he said he'd do that, but I don't know if he was serious and on top of that I don't know what sorts of consequences you can face by doing it. Now if you do have "unlimited" data I doubt they can charge you an overage but the carriers must have clauses that they can terminate your service if you're abusing it. Apparently this can also happen if you are roaming constantly.

So anyway I am not endorsing abusing your unlimited data or forcing roaming mode but you could do a bit more research and see if those are options for you.
 
this probably won't work. There's a guy here who posted once about how he tethers 80-90GB / month (killed his cable internet subscription) on verizon and hasn't been kicked.

If you have a 4G phone they probably won't mind the load.
However, he was paying them $110 / month for unlimited everything or something. So if you're giving them loads of cash, might not work...
 
If you have unlimited data:

Tether like mad on 3G not 4G. If they don't drop you try giving them a call and asking to be let go.
 
Binky said:
Can't you sell the phone to recoup most of the ETF?
Click to expand...

My ETF would be $260 and my droid bionic would be competing with used droid bionic on ebay selling for $130 or less.

I cracked and replaced the screen on my phone, I did a poor job some dust got in-between the LCD and the outer glass, I doubt I could even get that much for it.
 
Chiropteran said:
My ETF would be $260 and my droid bionic would be competing with used droid bionic on ebay selling for $130 or less.

I cracked and replaced the screen on my phone, I did a poor job some dust got in-between the LCD and the outer glass, I doubt I could even get that much for it.
Click to expand...

What if you turn off your phone (keep the battery out), tell them your phone is gone, and ask for a brand new S3. When they say "No" you complain that you don't have a device to use with the service you're paying for, and then ask that it's only fair for them to drop your account altogether?

I am only partially joking.
 
Red Storm said:
What if you turn off your phone (keep the battery out), tell them your phone is gone, and ask for a brand new S3. When they say "No" you complain that you don't have a device to use with the service you're paying for, and then ask that it's only fair for them to drop your account altogether?

I am only partially joking.
Click to expand...

I might try that. My first step is getting a copy of the actual customer agreement that applies to my account. The one online was updated in Feb of this year (which I never agreed to) and my physical documents received with the phone in July '11 just say "go online to get a copy of the customer agreement"
 
Chiropteran said:
I might try that. My first step is getting a copy of the actual customer agreement that applies to my account. The one online was updated in Feb of this year (which I never agreed to) and my physical documents received with the phone in July '11 just say "go online to get a copy of the customer agreement"
Click to expand...

They send out notices whenever they modify or change the TOS. That's when you can say, I don't agree to it. Not months later.
You signed a contract, you're stuck with it. If you've been a long time customer you may be able to get out without paying the ETF, but since Verizon plans subsidize the phones, they're going to most likely ding you for the ETF or put it on your credit if you don't pay.
 
Binky said:
Can't you sell the phone to recoup most of the ETF?
Click to expand...

Maybe to cover the ETF, but probably not to get a replacement phone on a different carrier. Especially if you want to go contract free, that means no discounted phones with 2yr contracts.
 
JeffreyLebowski said:
They send out notices whenever they modify or change the TOS.
Click to expand...

Yeah, except they didn't.

How Do I Accept This Agreement?
You accept this agreement by:

Agreeing in writing, by email, over the phone, or in person;
Opening a package that says you are accepting by opening it; or
Activating your Service.
Click to expand...

1- I never agreed in writing, over the phone, or via email.
2- I opened my phone in Aug of 2011, this agreement is dated Feb 2012, this is not the agreement I agreed to when I opened my phone.
3- In the same way, my service was activated in Aug 2011, not after the agreement was changed.




JeffreyLebowski said:
You signed a contract, you're stuck with it.
Click to expand...

That is where I'm at. A contract has clauses and conditions. I just want to look it over to see if there is a way within the limitations of the contract to terminate my service without paying an ETF. As I indicated in the OP, there were methods that worked in the past but I'm not sure if my customer agreement still allows for those methods or not.
 
There's a few ways people have gotten out of their contracts without the ETF. Constant complaining about problems, whether network service or billing or whatever. Consistently screwing up the billing and a small legal threat seems to work.

Generally, its a big hassle though, it is a contract after all.
 
Read your contract and see what they can cancel your service for. They might have the answer for you.

Demand that they show your proof you agreed to the contract.

If they've changed your contract tell them you don't agree to those changes.

Call customer service a lot. If you start costing them money, they'll want to dump you.

Take them to small claims court.
 
Success. 2.5 hours on the phone, but well worth it to save the $260 ETF. Ultimately the Federal Universal Service was the key to getting my service canceled. The new customer agreement has an exception to allow Verizon to simply credit the difference, but as I pointed out to the rep I was under the earlier customer agreement from 2011 which didn't include that line.

He let me cancel without paying any part of the early termination fee.
 
Last edited:
Chiropteran said:
Success. 2.5 hours on the phone, but well worth it to save the $260 ETF. Ultimately the Federal Universal Service was the key to getting my service canceled. The new customer agreement has an exception to allow Verizon to simply credit the difference, but as I pointed out to the rep I was under the earlier customer agreement from 2011 which didn't include that line.

He let me cancel without paying any part of the early termination fee.
Click to expand...

Nice. 🙂
 
Here's an idea: don't be a cheap-ass and if you want to break the contract you are legally-bound to, then pay the ETF and be...legal.
 
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