Early termination fee?!?
Rgordon1
Newbie
When I first started up with Verizon, I was told my by apartment complex to contact the Verizon rep for the area and set up service with him. I called, was given a price for a package that included TV and Internet at a decent price, so I started the service based on the reps recommendation. It was explained to me that our contract meant they couldn't raise our price after the first year, but didn't say anything regarding cancellation fees. After moving in and having multiple service visits because, as the technician stated, the box in my apartment was "ancient," the service was ok. I am now moving out of my current complex, and therefore moving all of my services. I called my car insurance company, the power company, utilities, etc. all the transfers went off without a hitch until I called Verizon. I was told that services could not be offered in my area, which frustrated me, but I figured I would just get Verizon back whenever I moved somewhere it was offered. So I told them to cancel the service, what other choice did I have? When the representative told me I therefore owed $120 for terminating the contract I was appalled. I explained to him that I wasn't terminating the agreement, fios was because THEY were the ones who could no longer provide the service! I wanted to stay! The very rude rep snarkily told me that verizon didnt "force us to move" and that we "shouldn't have signed up if we only signed a one year lease." After deciding the rep was not going to do anything to HELP the situation, only aggravate it, I asked for a supervisor. I waited patiently for 20 minutes until Mary, the supervisor got on the phone. I cat explained my situation and politely asked her to waive the fee, as to invite my business back in the future. I told her I had enjoyed my service and would reconnect as soon as I was in a fios available area. Her apathy was appalling, as she told me there was nothing she could do, told us a different HIGHER price for the ETF and repeated OVER and OVER again how this was our fault and we got a "big discount" that we owed back. We decided to say fine, just take the etf out of our deposit, when she told us we didn't have one, which is false!! We're now going to be out the over $100 in deposit we put down and the apparent $130 ETF fee. Never again, will I do business with Verizon in any manner, and I am going to formally file my complaint with the Better Business Burea after I send a letter addressing my concern.

For those who have COX available in their area GO WITH THEM. No deposit was required, no ETFs if you move somewhere where they don't provide service, and their reps are actually friendly and at least pretend they care about your business.

Has anyone else had trouble with canceling service at no fault of their own???
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Re: Early termination fee?!?
db909
Contributor - Level 3

@Rgordon wrote:

Has anyone else had trouble with canceling service at no fault of their own???

So it is FIOS's fault that you are moving to a place where they don't have service?

This is akin to getting a discounted Iphone with a 2 year commitment and wanting out after a few months.  The cell phone company wants that discount back.

Re: Early termination fee?!?
SinCara
Specialist - Level 2

db909 said it well. Next time you sign a contract or agree to terms of service for anything you should look at it. If you agree by phone ask for a copy of it first.

It's all covered in it.

You can't blame them for something that's in their terms of service that you agreed to.

You should also read how subsidized plans/services work.

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Re: Early termination fee?!?
CRobGauth
Community Leader
Community Leader

Contrary to your post, Cox appears that they will charge an ETF if you move outside of their area.

Per this agreement (http://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/price-lock-24-q314.cox) only reason to not pay ETF is

1) You are in the military and get orders to move outside of the are

2) You upgrade your services

3) You move to an area within Cox service area and move services.

Might they grant exemptions, possibly.

But just goes to show that other cable companies have similar contract language to Verizon.

Just no way to get out of ETF.

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