terminal

Verizon Wireless settles early-termination suit

Verizon Wireless agreed to pay $21 million to settle a lawsuit filed by customers who claim the company's early termination fees are excessive and unfair.

Details of the settlement aren't public. But a Verizon spokeswoman said that the settlement will put to rest claims filed by customers in California as well as customers who are part of a nationwide class action lawsuit.

Verizon denied any wrongdoing. And the spokeswoman pointed out that Verizon Wireless was the first cell phone operator in the U.S. to establish a pro-rated early termination fee that decreases over the time of the … Read more

Verizon Wireless agrees to pay $21 million over termination fees

Verizon Wireless agreed to pay $21 million to settle a lawsuit filed by customers who claim the company's early termination fees are excessive and unfair.

Details of the settlement aren't public. But a Verizon spokeswoman said that the settlement will put to rest claims filed by customers in California as well as customers that are part of a nationwide class action lawsuit.

Verizon denied any wrongdoing. And the spokeswoman pointed out that Verizon Wireless was the first cell phone operator in the U.S. to establish a pro-rated early termination fee that decreases over the time of the … Read more

T-Mobile to prorate early termination fees

T-Mobile USA is the latest mobile operator to make it easier to get out of those dreaded cell phone contracts.

On Monday the company said that it will pro-rate or reduce the cost over time of its early termination fees for contract customers. This means that customers will pay less to terminate their subscription as the end of their contract nears.

Beginning on June 28, customers with a one-year or two-year contract with T-Mobile will see their early termination fee drop from $200 to $100 if they end their contract with 91 to 180 days remaining on their agreement. If … Read more

AT&T and Verizon defend early termination fees

LAS VEGAS--Executives from AT&T and Verizon Communications defended early termination fees for wireless customers Tuesday, but said they wouldn't oppose Federal Communications Commission rules that required these fees to be "reasonable."

Jim Cicconi, AT&T senior executive and vice president for legislative affairs for AT&T, and Tom Tauke, executive vice president of public affairs and policy for Verizon, said following a panel discussion at the NxtComm tradeshow here, that their companies are justified in charging early termination fees for wireless contracts, which often top out at $200.

The battle over early termination … Read more

What to do about wireless termination fees

Early termination fees for wireless cell phone contracts came under fire during a Federal Communications Commission hearing Thursday as commissioners examined an industry-backed proposal that could soften the blow of these fees for some consumers.

The FCC held the hearing to gather more information as it considers a proposal that would give new cell phone customers a 30-day grace period to cancel their contracts without penalty. After those 30 days, early termination charges would then be prorated or reduced over the duration of the contract.

In exchange for accepting this proposal, wireless operators have asked to be absolved from ongoing lawsuits … Read more

FCC to hold hearing on early termination fees

The Federal Communications Commission will discuss a proposal at an open meeting Thursday that could reduce the cost of getting out of your cell phone contract.

The industry-sponsored proposal would give new cell phone customers a 30-day grace period to cancel their contracts without penalty. After those 30 days, early termination charges would then be pro-rated over the life of the contract. This means customers who want out of their contract in month 20 would pay less than those cancelling their service after only four months.

Cell phone operators have argued that they must impose early termination penalties on contracts … Read more

First Look video: Spyware Terminator

Spyware removal, real-time protection, and integrated antivirus for free? These compelling ingredients form the siren song of Spyware Terminator. Digging out spyware is the security tool's chief job description, but the application also adds real-time blocking and integrates the free ClamWin Antivirus tool at your behest. Spyware Terminator scans and zaps on three levels, and helps guard against malicious code swimming in through applications, system files, and the Internet.

FCC to hold hearing on early termination fees

The Federal Communications Commission has scheduled a June 12 hearing to debate whether the agency should regulate early termination fees (ETFs) on cell phone contracts. According to The Washington Post, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin hopes to address growing consumer complaints over ETFs, which have become the subject of class action lawsuits in several states.

The FCC already is negotiating with several carriers on how it would assume federal oversight over EFTs, which currently are subject to state laws. The proposals include capping the fees at an undisclosed amount, requiring carriers to prorate ETFs, and prohibiting the providers from charging an … Read more

Where Wilson Tang is the new American Idol

Now that Wilson is the new American Idol (not to mention the perpetual Chinese Idol), he can't stop talking about his celebrity chumleys. Today, we discuss his American counterpart David Cook, everyone's beloved Dick Gaywood, Jessica Alba-Tang, Arnold Shawarazanegarradudebro, Saving Paris's Privates, Grandpa Ford, and more dregs of society. EPISODE 105 Download today's podcast