T-Mobile jumps on ETF bandwagon

T-Mobile USA will join Verizon Wireless and AT&T by giving customers a break on early termination fees. Beginning June 28, T-Mobile will reduce a customer's fees depending on how long they have honored their contract. For example, the ETF decreases from $200 to $100 if a customer terminates service with 91 to 180 days remaining on their contract. If they have fewer than 91 days remaining on their contract, the fee drops to $50 or their standard monthly charge, whichever is less.

Wireless operators have been under increasing pressure from consumer groups and the FCC regarding these fees. FCC Chairman Martin said earlier this month that he believes there needs to be some federal oversight of termination fees rather than letting states set the rules. He would like to try to establish some rules on ETFs this summer.

For more:
- see this press release [1]

Related stories:
FCC provides some insight into ETF [2] rules
T-Mobile USA to pro-rate ETFs [3], too