WirelessAdvisor.com

Chip626266 · 08-12-2007, 4:02 PM

I am moving next week to house, where (according to my phone display) Verizon Wireless has a weak or no signal. I'm about 10 months into a 2 year plan, and I just got a BlackBerry (on AT&T) for my job. I can cancel my plan, and since the phone will be useless half the time and really unnecessary now. What are the chances of getting the termination fee waived because of the lack of a signal?

MOTOhooligan · 08-12-2007, 4:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip626266

I am moving next week to house, where (according to my phone display) Verizon Wireless has a weak or no signal. I'm about 10 months into a 2 year plan, and I just got a BlackBerry (on AT&T) for my job. I can cancel my plan, and since the phone will be useless half the time and really unnecessary now. What are the chances of getting the termination fee waived because of the lack of a signal?

Slim to none but you can try. Basically, according to the contract, Verizon can provide you with service only when you are within the operating range of their network. Obviously, if you cannot use your service, you are not within the operating range of their network.

Essentially, a wireless provider doesn't have to let you out of your contract for any reason... but if you get a nice representative, they may let you out.

Another thing would be what is called by T-Mobile and Alltel a Change of Responsiblity, where you would transfer the service on your account into someone else's name and credit. Perhaps a co-worker or relative does not live in a dead zone and wants service with Verizon. This is a way to get them service and they usually don't have to pay an activation fee and sometimes they only have to take over the remaining portion of your contract, instead of signing up for a full 12 or 24 month contract as long as they use your phone or another phone, but I'm not sure if Verizon does that.

Jerro · 08-12-2007, 5:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip626266

I am moving next week to house, where (according to my phone display) Verizon Wireless has a weak or no signal. I'm about 10 months into a 2 year plan, and I just got a BlackBerry (on AT&T) for my job. I can cancel my plan, and since the phone will be useless half the time and really unnecessary now. What are the chances of getting the termination fee waived because of the lack of a signal?

After moving IF it drops calls and it is a known problem area, I bet they let you out of the contract. Offer to return the phone.
If one rep won't agree ask for a supervisor. Also, being nice helps.

x7bren · 08-12-2007, 6:19 PM

The comments so far stand true. Wireless providers don't need to let you out of your contract and generally the legal ppl write them so well you couldn't find a loophole if you tried.

Your best bet is to speak to a rep and see what they can offer you. Is there roaming perhaps in case of no or poor service? Will there be a charge?

Can they work with you considering how bad the coverage is? But finally test it out yourself. While coverage maps and computers provide good results, you won't actually know how it will be until you've tried it yourself. Perhaps the area isn't as bad as it appears. Or maybe you'll be in an area and housing that doesn't affect you that much.

Good luck!!

~~RJB~~ · 08-12-2007, 8:20 PM

First off yeah try it and go from there. Also from what I have seen in the past even if there is a remote trace of service they are not going to let you out of contract. But like others have said you might get lucky. You could always drop them and get the home wifi thing from tmobile.

x7bren · 08-12-2007, 9:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJB

First off yeah try it and go from there. Also from what I have seen in the past even if there is a remote trace of service they are not going to let you out of contract. But like others have said you might get lucky. You could always drop them and get the home wifi thing from tmobile.

HotSpot @Home is awesome!!!!!

T-Mobile Hot Spot @ Home

ansky · 08-12-2007, 11:05 PM

Getting out of a contract is not impossible. I have gotten out of contracts with both Verizon and Cingular and it wasn't terribly difficult, you just have to be persistent. It took about 10 phone calls with both of those providers but I had a good argument and pointed out flaws in coverage and service. You need to have a good argument and exhaust all resources. Call every day and complain about the coverage. They will document the problem. Verizon admitted to having weak coverage where I used to live and let me out of the contract with little resistance.

Chip626266 · 08-13-2007, 7:49 PM

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

~~RJB~~ · 08-13-2007, 8:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip626266

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ok hey by the way what is the zip code you are moving to?? If you dont mind me asking

VZW-LOVER · 08-14-2007, 11:00 PM

You could try and put a trouble ticket in and see if they can do some thing to improve signal strength. If they can't you adleast have some documentation.

Chip626266 · 09-07-2007, 11:27 AM

Bottom Line: They let me out of my contract with no termination fee. Here's how ...

I called last week and told them the problem. First they suggested updating the roaming profile (which did not help, of course). They also said they would investigate the problem in my area.

Today I got a call back stating that my area was a known problem, and that a new cell tower was planned in the next one to two years. I told them that my cell phone was useless to me because I used it primarily to keep in contact with work (truth) when I was not there. So, I told them I wanted to terminate. They said that since there was a documented problem, they would not charge me a termination fee.

This was surprisingly easy ... only two phone calls ... no yelling or threats. Based on other things I've read and heard, I have been very lucky.

Mobile Mike · 09-07-2007, 4:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip626266

Bottom Line: They let me out of my contract with no termination fee. Here's how ...

I called last week and told them the problem. First they suggested updating the roaming profile (which did not help, of course). They also said they would investigate the problem in my area.

Today I got a call back stating that my area was a known problem, and that a new cell tower was planned in the next one to two years. I told them that my cell phone was useless to me because I used it primarily to keep in contact with work (truth) when I was not there. So, I told them I wanted to terminate. They said that since there was a documented problem, they would not charge me a termination fee.

This was surprisingly easy ... only two phone calls ... no yelling or threats. Based on other things I've read and heard, I have been very lucky.

Glad it worked out for you, Chip.

nKrypteD1 · 09-07-2007, 5:09 PM

Reality is, and everybody needs to read this and think about it, a lot of the "ETF waivers" are at the Reps disgression. In other words, be nice to the rep, butter em up a bit, and they'll be more apt to work with you. Never ever yell at a rep, they will be less likely to help you.

VZW-LOVER · 09-08-2007, 12:15 AM

Nice to hear a happy ending for one...lol

Fire14 · 09-08-2007, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip626266

Bottom Line: They let me out of my contract with no termination fee. Here's how ...

I called last week and told them the problem. First they suggested updating the roaming profile (which did not help, of course). They also said they would investigate the problem in my area.

Today I got a call back stating that my area was a known problem, and that a new cell tower was planned in the next one to two years. I told them that my cell phone was useless to me because I used it primarily to keep in contact with work (truth) when I was not there. So, I told them I wanted to terminate. They said that since there was a documented problem, they would not charge me a termination fee.

This was surprisingly easy ... only two phone calls ... no yelling or threats. Based on other things I've read and heard, I have been very lucky.

I guess they are taking the same stance as AT&T is, if you move into a non-covered area, they will waive the termination fee, they only require some proof you moved to that area.

Glad it went smoothly for you.

Andy · 09-08-2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire14

I guess they are taking the same stance as AT&T is, if you move into a non-covered area, they will waive the termination fee, they only require some proof you moved to that area.

Glad it went smoothly for you.