Ditching Your Wireless Contract Fee-Free

You have another year to go on your wireless Get the Facts on BlackBerry Business Solutions contract, and you want out, without paying a hefty early-termination fee. Is it really possible?

Meghann Marco, associate editor of The Consumerist Web site, says it is.

How to Pull It off

The Consumerist offers tales from people who say they've succeeded in escaping contracts early, and offers tips for pulling it off:

* Swap. Trade the remainder of your contract with someone else. Several new Web sites offer matchmaking services for folks to dump and receive contracts. The sites include CellSwapper.com, Resellular.com and CelltradeUSA.com.
* Cite specific problems. Spotty coverage in a key place in your life? Put it in writing, then contact the provider and "say you want to cancel your contract due to poor service," Marco says.

She tells of a college student who wrote to The Consumerist, saying his phone didn't get a signal on most parts of his campus. He wrote to T-Mobile Latest News about T-Mobile identifying the exact locations of the drop-outs, and the carrier let him out of his contract, she says.
* Watch for changes in your contract. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Latest News about Verizon recently raised prices for text messaging. When a price change or other change in service happens, "they usually send you a legal notice, and now you have your out," Marco says. She suggests calling the carrier and using the price increase as justification for your exit. "They will probably argue with you, but they have to let you go."

A Carrier Weighs In

The Consumerist offers "scripts" on its site to guide customers through negotiations with carriers.

Verizon spokesperson Jeffrey Nelson wouldn't address Free Trial. Reduce returned mail by verifying addresses before they enter your database. The Consumerist's tips, or how the company feels about subscribers demanding an early release. "Any customer who has a concern, we're encouraging them to call in. We work with our customers if they have concerns about their contract," he stated.