Want to get out of your wireless contract? The T-Mobile edition
If there’s one thing we get asked most, it’s probably the “I want to get out of my contract because _____ sucks!” email. We decided to put together a nice little guide for all you T-Mobilers wanting to jump ship. Bits and pieces have actually been pulled from some of our commenters, so thanks David and everyone else! There are a couple downsides, though. For one, this particular method does not allow you to port your number over to another provider. You’ll have to do some more work to get that accomplished. Check out the full rundown after the break, and check for other carrier editions coming soon!
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David points out that this method only works for people that do not currently have a messaging plan. If you do, the recent text messaging rate increase won’t work as there is no contractual change that applies to you.
- If you haven’t sent or received a SMS message within the last three months, send a text to your T-Mobile phone. If this isn’t done, T-Mo will most likely deny your request stating that the change doesn’t affect you since you don’t get your text on.
- Log in to your T-Mobile account online at www.t-mobile.com. Hit the billing tab, then current usage, and verify you see the text message you sent yourself. Or any other received text. As long as you see a recent text message, you are good to go.
- Call T-Mobile at 800-937-8997. When prompted by the automate system say scream iPhone as loud as humanly possible “cancel my account.”
- When you are transferred over to a live person, they’ll ask you why you wish to cancel your service. Tell them that you were notified that the text messaging rate will be increasing from $.10 to $.20 on 8/29. If the rep doesn’t know about this yet, they will likely go ask someone and come back to you.
- Most likely, they’ll try and bait you to stay by offering you secret golden deals. Deny all of them!
- If you have not used text messaging in the past 3 months the CR will tell you that the change doesn’t affect you and you’ll need to pay the ETF. Tell them about the text you sent yourself (or any other text message you received in the past 3 months) and have them check your recent activity.
- If the rep tells you that the change doesn’t take effect until 8/29, quote T-Mobile’s Terms of Service. Tell them that according to the Terms of Service, you must cancel within 14 days of receiving the notification. If they really try and push your buttons, banhammer them with the following Terms of Service excerpt: Section 3:
IF WE MODIFY A MATERIAL TERM OF OUR AGREEMENT WITH YOU AND THE MODIFICATION WOULD BE MATERIALLY ADVERSE TO YOU, WE WILL NOTIFY YOU OF THE INCREASE OR MODIFICATION AND YOU CAN CANCEL THAT SERVICE WITHOUT PAYING A CANCELLATION FEE (WHICH IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY) BY FOLLOWING THE CANCELLATION INSTRUCTIONS IN THE NOTICE. IF YOU DO NOT CANCEL YOUR SERVICE BY FOLLOWING THOSE INSTRUCTIONS, OR YOU OTHERWISE ACCEPT THE CHANGE, THEN YOU AGREE TO THE INCREASE OR MODIFICATION, EVEN IF YOU PAID FOR SERVICE IN ADVANCE. IF THE NOTICE DOES NOT SAY HOW LONG YOU HAVE TO CANCEL, THEN IT IS WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE NOTICE, UNLESS A LONGER PERIOD IS REQUIRED BY LAW. - If you had to read that whole damn thing to the Krispy Kreme junky on the phone, they’ll briefly put you on hold while they cancel the account.
- Once the account is cancelled, check back on www.t-mobile.com to ensure that you can’t access anything. If you can’t access anything, your account has been successfully cancelled.
- If you still haven’t got anywhere by the end of this long ass post, hang up, and talk to someone else. They’ll most likely help you.
- If all else fails, tell the CR on the phone that you’re going to file a report with the FCC. Fill out this form here http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. That should ensure a swift action taken by your wireless carrier.
Let us know how this works for you and what provider you end up switching to!
Tags: cancel service, cr, ETF, port number, T-Mobile
On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:15 pm, Alan Said:
Why would anyone want to cancel T-mobile?! Now cancelling AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon would be a worthwhile article!
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:17 pm, Jeff Said:
What if I have a text message plan and want to port my number?
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:21 pm, Mark Said:
Most folks want out to move to a provider that has 3G rolled out nationwide *now*, with devices available now to take advantage of it (I thought about it myself). But, now might not be the best time. With the reasonably solid sounding rumors of T-Mo’s nationwide 3G rollout set for Oct 1st, it’s probably worth the wait. And, other than going to Sprint’s SERO offer, it’ll be hard to find a better deal on rates or better customer service anywhere else.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:28 pm, Xavier W. Said:
So you can’t port your number over and then call to confirm the cancel and make sure the EFT isn’t added? The contract doesn’t say that one must give a reason for the cancellation. Therefore, I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that I can just call and get the charge removed from it. (I would have canceled within the 14 days AND disputed the ETF charge within 60 days). Am I wrong?
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:40 pm, Alan Said:
What if I have a family plan and only want to cancel one of the lines? My wife never uses her stinking phone, so I’d rather put her on a pay as you go deal, but I don’t want to lose my service. I was hoping I could drop down to a myFaves 300 minute plan for $39.99 with internet added on it for $59.99… beats the $100+ I’m paying now! = ] Any thoughts?
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:44 pm, Xavier W. Said:
I’m pretty sure you can cancel one line on a family plan. Each line is a actually considered a separate contract (and each subject to the $200 EFT).
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:54 pm, Cancel Now Said:
This makes sense from so many perspectives.
If you don’t mind losing your phone number everyone should cancel.
You can switch to another carrier (like Sprint’s SERO plan) or just transfer to a prepaid. Once transferred, go back to T-Mobile and sign a new contract and take advantage of subsidized phone prices. Sell either your new or old phone on eBay and make easy cash.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 2:56 pm, sean. Said:
cmoon at&t i wanna cancel yer ass asap.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 3:03 pm, Jeremy Said:
I called last night and had a nice convo w/ CS. In the end, it has ended up that I am now out of contract and can port my number to another provider whenever I want. I will get a follow up call from CS on August 15th if I haven’t ported out yet and should be able to extend my “wait period” in case I need to. Just be nice and you should be able to get out w/o getting immediately dropped.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 3:08 pm, Vic Said:
I freaking hate T-Mobile.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 3:15 pm, Vtron Said:
Anyone have tips/links/articles for getting out of VZW contracts? I resigned a year ago, with a BB 8830+$10 for the 500 text msgs. i dont recall anything changing, i just want to trade up to something different, and dont care for ETF’s. I’d also like to port my #..
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 3:34 pm, Michael Said:
What wireless carier would I switch to if I left TMobile? . . . . . . TMobile. Duh. They have the best rates and coverage everywhere I go. Been with them since they were Powertel, and now with UMA calling, I can’t see why anyone would leave. 3G is coming anyway.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 3:58 pm, JC Said:
You CAN do it if you have a text messaging plan. The 20cents still apply to over-texting. as long as you have gone over your limit by any amount in the last 3 months, you can tell them that you have gone over before and if you do go over again, you’re not comfortable with the extra charges.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 4:05 pm, champ22 Said:
post a “get out of sprint edition” please ….like before july 11
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 4:09 pm, The Outside Said:
why did it have a tmobile contract? why not sprint, at&t or verizon. HUH?!?!?!?!?!? WHATS UP WITH THAT!!!!!!! lol
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 4:11 pm, Xavier W. Said:
I just canceled my contract effective Monday, 7/14 (giving me time to port my numbers and just in case I don’t get my iPhones on Friday ;P).
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 4:12 pm, Alan Said:
To those wanting out of verizon and at&t… read your contracts. All contracts have convenient loopholes that you can exploit, just like this t-mobile thing. It’s a matter of reasing.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 4:13 pm, Live Crunch Said:
I wouldn’t go out of T-Mobile because on Oct 1st they are going to release 3g nationwide. So yeah have people pay $100 for 450 minutes plan while I pay $60 with 5 faves and 1000 minutes. lol
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 4:39 pm, C DM Said:
This, for the time being, only applies to T-Mobile because they are changing something that relates to the contract people have signed. It won’t apply to other carriers until/unless they do something similar (as they’ve certainly done at times in the past).
If you already canceled your contract by following this without porting first, you will not be able to port later–which is why porting doesn’t really work with this.
It’s strange that this would apply to the over-the-limit messaging fees for those on messaging packages–the other carriers left those rates the same in messaging increases, basically specifically not to create any contract changes that could be “taken advantage of” for those with messaging packages.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 5:38 pm, Yudis Said:
I sent a notorized letter stating that I was moving to a “not tmobile zone” (El salvador) I got out of my contract and will be able to port my # to at$t. I love t mobile, but they are last to get the hot phones. Iphone or bust!
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 5:56 pm, Tyler Said:
If I cancel my unlimited texting plan w/ T-Mobile NOW, can I cancel?? (I REALLY want the iPhone 3G)
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 5:57 pm, Steven Said:
Your texting plan shouldn’t matter for opting out. I had an unlimited plan when they made the switch in 2007 from $.10 to $.15. The rep told me the change would not effect me since I had an unlimited plan and they would not waive the ETF fee. I argued however, even though I had an unlimited plan, the change in price is still a material change in contract, so regardless of what my texting plan was, they were making a change to the contract I had previously signed and hence voided the contract. I checked with a lawyer who worked in my building and her professional opinion was if I wanted out I could get out because of the price change. After explaining this to the rep, they told me if I wanted out, I could get out without paying the ETF. I didn’t end up leaving TMO, but thought I’d share.
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 6:07 pm, Ryan Said:
So if you want an iPhone on Friday and you have a T-Mobile contract now you need to port your number first then cancel your contract? Or do you call to get out of your contract first before going into AT&T and getting your number ported?
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 7:00 pm, Jack Said:
I got this email from T-mobile. Note that I had called their support before cancelling service and had gotten confirmation that I will not be charged an ETF. To get a written confirmation, I had also emailed support. However, this is what I received as response!
Should I sue them for first: misguiding me and providing inconsistent information that led me in all mess? second: discriminating me against other users who have managed to get away without ETF?
I hate T-Mobile even more now :@
Dear **********,
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. My name is *********
and I would like to apologize for the delay in answering your e-mail in
a timely fashion. Thank you for your patience.
I understand you want to cancel due to the increase in text message
charges. I can definitely review this for you.
I know how upsetting it is to have increases for this usage. The
bill inserts regarding the Early Termination Fee waiver will be mailed
starting June 27. After reviewing your account I see that you have
already transferred your number to another provider and cancelled your
T-Mobile service. Since the messaging rates do not change until August
29 and you have cancelled now while under contract, the Early
Termination Fee will be applied and cannot be adjusted. Customers who
qualify for the waiver have 30 days from the receipt of their bill
insert to terminate their contract without an ETF. After 30 days, you
will no longer be able to cancel your contracts without an ETF, and the
communicated rate changes will be effective August 29. We are sorry that
you have decided to leave T-Mobile for this reason. Although the
messaging rates will increase T-Mobile will be offering a blocking
feature in late July which will alleviate many text charges. I am sorry
that you did not wait to have all this explained to you. The $200 early
termination fee is a valid charge since you have cancelled while under
contract. If you decide to return to T-Mobile we would love to have you
back. You will have 90 days to return without having to pay a new
activation fee and the termination fee will be adjusted for you. After
60 days you would need a new SIM card though and after 90 days, a new
activation and SIM will be required and the termination fee will not be
adjusted.
Thank you, ******, for allowing me the opportunity to assist you today.
If we can assist you with anything else please do not hesitate to
respond to this e-mail. You can call Customer Care Toll Free #
1-800-937-8997, 3 a.m. - 10 p.m. PST. Thank you for choosing T-Mobile
and for being a valued customer from.
Take care!
Sincerely,
********** Rep. #*********
Customer Care Specialist
T-Mobile USA
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On Jul 7, 2008 @ 7:10 pm, Xavier W. Said:
I called and had the contract canceled but for a date in the future. This way I was sure that the ETF would not be added. The contract will end on its own when your number is ported anyway.
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