Tag: wireless
How to get out of most wireless and telco contracts without a fee.
by Chris on Feb.10, 2009, under Tech
Sometimes you just need to get out of that contract. I’ve needed this on a couple occasions, either for my company or a client. Here’s how I do it without much fuss from the provider. Disclaimer: I consider this a “nuclear option” – if it’s abused (like to switch to an iPhone because all the cool people are doing it…) the hole will probably be closed and we’ll all lose out. Don’t abuse it. Your mileage may vary.
- Use provider coverage maps to search the rural areas around your metro for a decent size dead zone.
- Find the dead zone on Google Maps and locate roads that run through it.
- Use a house buying website and narrow down/keyword search the road names until you find houses for sale on them. Check the addresses through Google Maps until you find one in your dead zone. Shoot for something well inside the zone.
- Call provider. Depending on your situation:
Canceling completely: nicely tell them your “new” address and explain that there is no service available, so you have no choice but to cancel without being charged the termination fee.
Porting your number away: call them before you port the number and explain that you can’t get service at your “new” address, therefore have no other choice but to switch carriers. You’re calling to let them know before you port so they can note the account and call back to have the termination fee waived after the port. After you’ve ported away, call back within a couple hours and have the fee waived.
In either situation, they’ll check your exact distance from the nearest tower, so it’s not fool-proof. But if you’re respectful and far enough away you shouldn’t have a problem. This will work on multiple device accounts as long as all devices are moving to the new address. Example: if your business plan has multiple phones make sure you tell them every device is moving. Otherwise, just the device you call about is subject to the fee waived.
This works equally well on telco contracts (especially 2nd and 3rd tier carriers). Simply check out where your provider doesn’t have service (other cities, states, etc.), find an address, and use the same process.
