What happens if you sign a two-year contract with a carrier just to find out that the network is incredibly slow?
Unfortunately, it’s possible that you’ll be trapped with that service. In this Ask Maggie, I offer some suggestions for a Sprint customer who wants to get out of his contract without paying a significant early termination fee. I also provide some details on Sprint’s new 4G LTE deployment in Atlanta.
With Sprint, I have a family plan. On Sprint, I have an iPhone 4S and three iPhone 4s. The phones are fantastic, but Sprint’s 3G service is excruciatingly slow. I now know what it means to choose quality (speeds) over quantity (unlimited).
I used to have AT&T’s 3G service. I had an iPhone 3GS at the time. That service was fantastic, as was the speed. I only moved to Sprint because I felt the unlimited data package would give us more bang for our buck. However, the service is so slow that we can’t even use our phones. Switching back to AT&T is something I’d like to do. However, I’ve just been with Sprint since February of this year.
Still, all I want to do is get out of here. It’s too much for me! I can probably acquire the identical phones by selling them on eBay and then purchasing them from AT&T, or I can wait for the iPhone 5. But if there’s any way I can get out of my Sprint ETF, that would be fantastic.
It is true that terminating a wireless contract early is quite costly.
You’d be out around $1,400 in fees in your scenario.
Sprint revised its price policy last year, and it now charges $350 per device to cancel a contract as of September 9, 2011. The early termination price is prorated, which means you will pay less to discontinue the subscription as time goes on. Sprint calculates the price by charging $20 per month for each month remaining on your contract, up to a maximum of $350 and a minimum of $100 per device. The prorated fees don’t start until you’ve been with us for 18 months. Since you received your phones in February, you still have a few months until the fee begins to decrease.
Is there any way to avoid having to pay this fee? I’ll tell you the truth. It’ll be a challenge. I’m afraid the reason you gave for terminating your contract is unlikely to be sufficient to get you out of your Sprint contract.
“Unless he’s still inside the 14-day or 30-day timeframe when he can return his phone without penalty,” said Michael Aschenbrener of Aschenbrener Law. “Because cell phone contracts rarely guarantee specific speeds for mobile Internet connection, poor service is unlikely to be a reason to cancel the contract without an ETF.”
That said, you should go over your contract’s fine print again. However, as Michael Aschenbrener points out, I’m almost convinced that Sprint’s contract provides no guarantees about the network’s performance. You won’t find any references to specific network speeds in its advertising. The majority of carriers offer no guarantees about the real speeds they deliver. They can claim that their network is the fastest or that their service is X times faster than that of competitors. However, they do not provide specifics in general. The explanation for this is simple: wireless broadband performance is influenced by a variety of factors.
Sprint will require some negotiation on your behalf to bail you out because it is not technically breaching its share of the contract.
“In general, if a client cancels service before the conclusion of their agreement, they would be charged an early termination fee based on the remaining time on the agreement,” a Sprint spokesperson told me through e-mail.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The Sprint agent suggests speaking with a customer support representative about your problem.
“Because each customer’s circumstance is unique, our Care team examines each one on a case-by-case basis to better understand the challenges a customer may be facing,” he explained.
You should also keep an eye out for additional modifications in your contract that may allow you to cancel it without paying a fee.
Subscribers are essentially obliged to accept the new terms because wireless carriers are continuously revising the fine print in their service contracts. Carriers must, however, provide you a period of opportunity to examine the adjustments if this occurs. They often offer you 30 days to review the new terms. If you discover a modification in the conditions while the window is still open, you have the option to cancel your subscription without penalty. The key is to be aware of these new developments. Because the carriers don’t usually publicize them, you’ll have to keep an eye on your contract for any changes.
You could also consider transferring your contract to someone else. Most carriers give you the option of transferring your service to someone else. Several websites offer to connect you with people who are looking to take over other people’s service contracts. There are always small fees involved, but they are often less expensive than buying an ETF outright. People may desire to take over a contract in order to avoid paying a carrier activation fee or to get a shorter contract. Cell Plan Depot, Cell Swapper, and Cell Trade USA are three websites that allow customers swap contracts.
I haven’t used any of these sites before, so I can’t comment on how well they function. If you’re really unhappy with Sprint and can’t get them to waive or lower your early termination fee, it’s worth checking into.
Another alternative is to wait for Sprint to roll out 4G LTE in your area. Of course, this would necessitate replacing your phone with one that supports LTE. Sprint promises that by the end of next year, LTE will be available wherever 3G service is currently available.
Sprint announced last week that it now offers 4G LTE coverage in the Atlanta area in an article titled “Sprint officially launches 4G LTE in 15 cities.”
This is even reflected in their updated service coverage maps.
However, large areas of Atlanta, particularly in the city center and most intown districts, continue to be without 4G LTE service.
If you read the Sprint community blog, you’ll notice this.
When you call Sprint customer support, they tell you that you should have coverage based on the coverage map. When you visit a Sprint store within Atlanta’s city borders, though, they tell it could be months before service is available. I feel misled and upset as a devoted Sprint customer who recently upgraded to the new Evo 4G LTE phone. I’m also annoyed that Sprint’s LTE coverage map (which appears to show Sprint’s GOAL of coverage for cities like Atlanta, rather than the actual/current coverage) is essentially misrepresenting customers.
I’d like to know when Sprint expects to expand their coverage to include all of Atlanta. And I’d be grateful if you could write about this in your column so that other people aren’t duped by Sprint’s deceptive advertising.
Sprint has announced the introduction of their 4G LTE service in various locations, including Atlanta and other suburbs surrounding Atlanta, as you mentioned in your query.
I called Sprint to see if someone could reply to your issue as well as the other complaints about the lack of 4G LTE connectivity on the Sprint community message boards from folks in Atlanta.
Customers having 4G LTE handsets in markets where Sprint has begun to offer service should ensure that their 4G LTE radios are turned on, according to her. Subscribers can enable this feature by going to “Network Settings” on their devices. Sprint is expected to complete its service rollout in these markets during the next several months, according to her. However, she also stated that some phones have difficulty receiving a 4G LTE signal.
“We’ve seen some issues with 4G LTE pickup on a few 4G LTE devices, and we’re looking into it right now.” A number of unrelated causes, such as equipment malfunctions, may also impair network reception. We recommend waiting for the device to find a signal for a few minutes in the same spot.”
She also stated that Sprint’s coverage maps are solely for on-street coverage. He also mentioned that coverage may be absent or limited within structures with a lot of brick and concrete.
The main line is that Sprint’s 4G LTE network is still in its early stages. The firm is still expanding its network. Customers should be aware that even if a coverage map or a salesperson claims that coverage exists in a specific region, it’s best to check with friends and neighbors who use their devices in that area before purchasing. Also bear in mind that you have 30 days to return any new equipment you buy. Sprint also claims that the 4G LTE service would soon reach all of its present 3G locations. So, if you have a nice strong 3G signal today, there’s a decent chance you’ll get Sprint’s 4G LTE service as well.
Is there an ETF for Sprint?
Thank you for picking Sprint! Please review our Terms & Conditions (“Ts&Cs”), which outline your relationship with Sprint and include our commitment to resolve issues through arbitration rather than class actions or jury trials. To access the complete content of the Sprint Wireless Terms & Conditions, click any of the blue More links.
What exactly are we discussing? Sprint is Sprint, you are you, a device is your phone, tablet, or other piece of equipment or accessory, and our Services are our offerings, plans, and customer service. … read more
What does your Sprint Service Agreement look like? Everything we offer you (hand to you, send to you, read to you, etc.) when you obtain your Service is included in your Service Agreement. Check them out! If there is a disagreement, you agree to settle it through arbitration and waive your right to file a class action lawsuit. … read more
Is there anything else in my Service Agreement that I should know about? Our policies, to be precise. Our policies are easily accessible! Check them out here from a comfortable vantage point. … read more
Are there any restrictions on how I use my device? Yes. Please double-check your agreements. We rely on your agreement to activate on our network whenever you buy, lease, or finance a device. You may not resell, trade in, or profit from reselling or trading in your device in certain conditions. … read more
What is the procedure for accepting the Service Agreement? You have agreed if you sign, email, e-sign, open the box, or tell us over the phone that you agree! You must be of legal age to participate. And, most essential, you have agreed when your service is activated! Don’t do any of these things if you don’t want to agree. … read more
How will Sprint communicate with me regarding the Service Agreement? What is the best way for me to contact you? There are a variety of methods to reach us. We can contact you for any reason using any number we have on file, your bill, or the My Sprint app. … read more
Is there anything else I owe you? What about a penalty for leaving early? It’s straightforward. We value your business and do not want you to leave. However, if you sign a one- or two-year Service Agreement and then terminate it before the end of the term, you will be charged an early termination fee (ETF). When you first agreed to the deal, the ETF was outlined to you. … read more
What is the deadline for paying an early termination fee? That’s fantastic news! If you finish your Service Agreement, there is no ETF. Keep in mind that you may have additional obligations, such as a lease or an installment arrangement, that have their own cancellation restrictions. … read more
What happens if Sprint modifies the contract? If Sprint modifies this Agreement and you believe it has a materially negative impact on you, you have 30 days to call and cancel without paying your ETF. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll assume you’re okay with the modification. … read more
Sprint has the ability to stop or terminate services. We hope we won’t have to do this, but we reserve the right to suspend, cancel, or block service for any reason at any time. … read more
How can I make modifications to my services, and when do they take effect? While many changes happen right away, others take longer. So keep in mind that modifications made in the middle of a billing cycle may be prorated (meaning you may only be charged a portion of the fee, charge, etc.). … read more
How does Sprint protect my personal information? We take your privacy very seriously and are very conscious of it.
- What exactly is CPNI? CPNI refers to specific information that we are required by federal law to keep private.
- What can I do to keep my account safe? If you provide someone else access to your account, you could be held liable for anything they do on your behalf. Make a password for yourself, keep it private, and use it.
- What about the data on my phone or tablet? Please take precautions to protect the confidential information on your device. It’s your responsibility, not Sprint’s.
What is the best way for me to use my device, phone number, and email address? The majority of issues with your smartphone should be resolved through the manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, etc.) or any insurance you purchased. Your network experience may be influenced by the device you’re using. You have the right to port (transfer) your phone number to another carrier, but you do not own it. If your device fits the standards in our Unlock policy, it can be unlocked. … read more
What if I bring my own computer or tablet? If you bring your own device to Sprint, you are responsible for ensuring that it functions properly. … read more
What about the apps that I install? The terms and privacy policies of third-party apps that you install on your device are their own. … read more
Where will my gadget be used and how will it work? We are proud of our network and are always striving to improve it. The way it works for you is determined by your location, device, weather, and a variety of other things. More…
Is roaming (off-network) an option? On the network of another provider, your apps and services may behave differently. … read more
Why not make use of data services? You do it at your own risk while using third-party content. We are not internet policing officers, and we accept no responsibility for the content you access on the internet. … read more
Are there any limitations to what I can do using Sprint’s data services? Don’t be so irrational! You may not use your data services to impose an undue demand on the network or to interfere with other people’s use of the Sprint Network. … read more
What about our billing arrangement? We want you to understand how we do things now that you’re a Sprint client, including how we set up your Service and what your bill will include.
- Will there be a spending limit on my account? Your account may be subject to an Account Spending Limit.
- Are there any other charges? Additional fees may apply, but we will explain them if they do.
- Is it possible for me to give permission to other users? Regardless of who uses your device or makes changes to your account or agreements, you will be the only one we turn to for payment on your account.
What will be included in my bill? Every month, we will send you a bill. Third-party costs and warnings may appear on your account. Please go through it again. … read more
- Additional charges may apply. You may also see charges for directory assistance or other services on your bill.
- If you owe us money, we may retain your credit or debit card information on file and charge it.
When it comes to billing and collections, who will contact me? We (or our agents) may contact you regarding your bill, services, or other matters. … read more
Do I have a license for the software installed on my device? Yes, the software on your Device is subject to a limited license. … read more
What are the benefits of location-based services? Many factors, including network coverage and ambient considerations, affect location-enabled services, including GPS (like Google Maps). … read more
Is dialing 9-1-1 or other emergency numbers on my device different? Please be prepared to offer your location information when dialing 9-1-1! Please do not rely on your Device’s location information because 9-1-1 operators may not be able to monitor its whereabouts. When you dial 911, not all of your device’s functionalities will work. … read more
What happens if my device is misplaced or stolen? If your device is lost or stolen, please notify us right away. You can’t get out of your Sprint contracts because of lost or stolen devices. If your Device is stolen, for example, you may still be able to use your ETF or pay the balance due under your lease or installment billing agreements. … read more
Is my work covered by a warranty? We provide excellent services, but not all of them come with a warranty. … read more
Is Sprint at blame for some of the issues? Unforeseen events occur from time to time, and no one can predict them. In the law, unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, are referred to as “emergencies.” “Force majeure refers to “acts of God,” and Sprint is not responsible for any of them. … read more
What about Sprint’s legal responsibilities? We shall not be liable for any damages in excess of the service fees you paid us during the period in question. We will not be held liable for unforeseeable losses such as lost profits. … read more
How will we settle disagreements? Mandatory arbitration or small claims court are two options. If a disagreement arises, we agree to settle it through arbitration or small claims court. We also agree to resolve any disagreements in a case involving only two parties (you and Sprint) rather than a class action lawsuit (thousands of people and Sprint). An arbitrator takes the place of the judge and jury in arbitration. Any (and we mean ANY) disagreements about our partnership are considered disputes. We also promise to try to address any disagreements informally before resorting to legal action, so please write to us with the problem and your possible solution. … read more
What is the procedure for arbitration? The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator, according to a set of standard procedures (known as the AAA Rules), and will take place in the county where your billing address is situated. The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is a federal law that governs the arbitration “This Agreement and the arbitration clause are governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”). Any filing or case management fees involved with the arbitration, as well as the professional fees for the arbitrator’s services, will be covered by Sprint. … read more
What about taking your case to court? We are not going to court, and there will be no jury trial or class action lawsuits. If we wind ourselves in court, we agree that a judge, not a jury, will decide our case, and that we will litigate individually rather than as part of a group or class. … read more
What happens if Sprint is sued for something that I truly caused? This is known as indemnification, and you will be liable to the person who is suing you. … read more
Is there anything else? This Agreement is governed by the laws of your home state (as stated on your bill). This contract is just between you and Sprint, and it only benefits us. The Agreement between us does not include any conversations you may have had with our staff; it only contains what is written or incorporated in this document. … read more
What exactly are we discussing? Sprint Solutions, Inc. is referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Sprint.” A Sprint account holder or someone who utilizes our Devices or Services is referred to as “you,” “your,” “customer,” and “user.” “Any phone, tablet, mobile broadband device, or other product or accessory that we offer, sell, or that is active on your account with us is referred to as a “device.” Sprint-branded offers, rate plans, options, wireless services, billing services, applications, programs, products, software, or Devices on your account with us, as well as any other product or service that we offer or provide to you that references these General Terms and Conditions of Service (“Ts&Cs”), are referred to as “Service(s).” Return to the top
What does my Sprint Service Agreement look like? These terms and conditions are a component of your service agreement with us (the “Service Agreement”) “The contract under which we supply you with Services is referred to as the “Agreement.” A MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISION WITH A CLASS WAIVER, A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION WAIVER, AND A JURY WAIVER PROVISION IS INCLUDED IN THIS AGREEMENT. The Agreement also includes: I the subscriber agreement and transaction materials that you receive and accept when you receive your Device; (ii) the service plan(s) that you choose as described in the written services and transaction materials that we provide or refer you to during the sales transaction; (iii) any confirmation materials and invoices that we may provide; and (iv) the terms set forth in the coverage map brochures. We strongly advise you to thoroughly read all of the Agreement’s provisions. Return to the top
Are there any restrictions on how I use my device? If you purchase a Device from Sprint or a Sprint authorized retailer without paying full price (MSRP), you agree not to resell or trade in the Device to a third party, or participate in or profit from the resale or trade in, until you have completed all of your financial and contractual obligations to us. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, we reserve the right to take any action we consider appropriate, including charging you for the difference between the Device’s full price and the price you paid for it, as well as claiming damages. Any limits on resale in a separate agreement with Sprint to acquire, purchase, or lease a Device will also apply, so carefully review the terms of any such agreement to understand your rights to resell your Device. Return to the top
I’m not sure how I’m going to accept my agreement. To accept the Agreement, you must be of legal age. When you do the following, you accept the Agreement:
- Accept by email, over the phone, online, or in person; or Agree in writing or by electronic signature; or
- By opening any package or starting any software that claims you are accepting the Agreement, you are agreeing to the terms of the Agreement.
Don’t do any of these things if you don’t wish to accept the Agreement. Return to the top
Will Sprint honor your previous contract?
Expect to pay up to $650 to pay off your current carrier’s device, and Sprint will refund you if you transfer to them. As a result, if you receive a $600 trade-in credit toward the purchase of a Sprint phone, you’ll be repaid $50 for the $650 you spent to pay off your old phone (with your own money).
Is it true that T-Mobile will pay off your phone if you deploy?
T-Mobile extends your benefits and extra compensation for up to six months after your first two weeks away.
What happens if you don’t return your Sprint leased phone?
Sprint appears to be informing its customers that leased phones must be returned. Unfortunately, it doesn’t tell its customers how to do it, which can cost them hundreds of dollars in extra fees.
I was excited to not be trapped into a two-year contract when I signed up with Sprint more than two years ago.
Sprint wasn’t the only company that decided to cancel the subsidized two-year contract. What has replaced them, though, is a bewildering array of possibilities.
But at the time, I thought leasing a phone was a brilliant idea. It appeared to be a less expensive and simpler solution. The naivete, oh the naivete.
Potential Sprint customers should be aware that returning a phone is a time-consuming process that can take months. Even if you return a phone, you may be charged for the phone as well as other expenses.
You’ll be charged a restocking fee and maybe extra expenses if you return a phone within the 14-day trial period. Here’s an example and a story from one person.
Even if you’ve been a loyal Sprint customer for years, returning a phone at the end of a lease isn’t always straightforward.
You have 30 days to return it, and they don’t make it easy for you. This consumer, for example, had to pay for the phone because the store wouldn’t let them return it.
Even if you figure out how to return a rented phone, you’ll still be charged. That is correct in regards to the phone you have returned. They take a long time to process a phone return, and in the meantime, they want you to pay for the phone you don’t have.
This is where I am at the moment. I’ve been fighting to get my phone back since January 31 and have yet to see a resolution.
Here are some advice for chumps like me who signed up for a leased Sprint phone and are actually (or at least attempting) to return it.
No matter how many times you phone customer care or go to a store, there will always be surprises. This should, hopefully, save you some time and aggravation.
Calling customer care and requesting a return kit is one approach to return a phone. Isn’t it straightforward? It’s time for the first suggestion…
You must clean your iPhone before they will send you a return package if you have one.
On my first few calls to Sprint customer service, no one told me this. They do have a pre-recorded warning that says you must wipe it before returning it, but they fail to emphasize that you must do it before REQUESTING A RETURN.
They won’t send you the return kit if you don’t wipe it before the request gets through their system.
Of course, you won’t know whether a return package isn’t on the way unless you phone customer support again.
So, following my initial calls to Sprint, I waited the two-week period specified in the contract to receive the actual kit. (If you’re keeping score, that’s roughly half the time it takes you to return a phone call.)
I realized my first error when I phoned again. I erased my phone as suggested by the new representative.
But there was still a problem. Because I had a previous request in the system, it appears that my new request for a return package will be denied.
Given the time it takes to receive a return kit, I would have already beyond the 30-day timeframe if I had waited for a new kit.
I’m still not sure how the entire return package works. However, it appears that even if you receive it, you may be concerned about the packaging used to return your phone.
After being burned on the return package front, I opted to take the phone to a store and return it personally.
However, you cannot return a phone to any Sprint store; it must be returned to a Sprint corporate store. Many establishments that appear to be official are actually only traders.
The only way to tell for sure if a store is corporate is to ask the store or use the Sprint store finder on their website if you don’t want to visit every store in your neighborhood.
And, of course, corporate stores aren’t even labeled in the locator. All you have to do now is hunt for a full-service facility (which you can’t even filter for on the site) and then call to confirm.
The return process was relatively straightforward after I eventually discovered and visited a corporate shop. That is, until I opened my inbox.
On February 15, I returned my phone. This is what I got a month later, this week.
You’ll get a bill for the cost of buying the phone even after you’ve returned it.
When I contacted Sprint several times, I was promised that I wouldn’t have to pay the $200 (plus taxes and fees) for the phone I returned. That I’d be able to simply ignore the fee.
Unfortunately, no one informed me that I would be charged for it indefinitely until they received and inspected my returned phone.
It takes two to three billing cycles to figure out if you owe money on the leased phone you returned.
Meanwhile, you’ll continue to get bills stating that you owe an overdue balance for the full cost of the phone you’ve previously returned.
I inquired as to whether or not this would have an impact on my credit, and they told me that it would not. We’ll have to wait and see.
I would have paid more for the phone if I had just paid the charge, plus the initial cost and my two-years of monthly payments. Add in the fact that I’ve already returned it, and I’m giving Sprint hundreds of dollars.
No one wants to pay for shady business practices. However, there are a few considerations to consider:
a) You could be liable for hidden corporate costs even if you didn’t read it or none of the representatives mentioned it.
e) You can contest charges by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or engaging in binding arbitration.
I’m still refusing to pay the bill because I returned the phone and don’t trust the corporation to refund the money at this time. If this continues, I may be forced to do so in order to protect my credit while I challenge it. (Any legal or financial advise on this subject would be greatly welcomed.)
Regardless, it appears that I’m not the only one who has had to wait for Sprint’s return process and has filed a complaint.
If you’re signing up for a Sprint contract, keep in mind that you’ll almost certainly have to pay for the phone.
I hope this essay has been helpful to those who have already committed to Sprint. Customer service has been unhelpful, and there are few options available online.
What does T-acquisition Mobile’s of Sprint mean for Sprint customers?
Sprint and T-Mobile are finally merging. There’s nothing you need to do if you’re already a Sprint client. Your phone will continue to work, your plan will not change, and you will be able to get service at the same locations.
You’ll notice a leisurely transition with plenty of opportunities to change trains instead of a rapid cutoff. Starting later in 2020, Sprint stores will close or turn magenta. Sprint will support older phones until the end of 2021, and your service plan will be valid until 2023. Don’t freak out, but keep your eyes peeled for chances.
Is ETF paid by T-Mobile?
Your ETFs will be paid off by T-Mobile. When you switch to T-Mobile, we’ll pay off your ETFs and device payments (up to $650) with a trade-in credit and virtual prepaid card. You’ll also never have to sign another annual servicing contract.
What happens when your Sprint lease expires after 18 months?
When my lease expires, what happens? Customers in good standing can upgrade to a new phone at the end of their 18-month Flex lease arrangement. The leased phone must be returned in excellent functioning order and without damage.
Is it possible to make a free transition from Sprint to T-Mobile?
With a simple SIM change, eligible Sprint customers can now access the entire T-Mobile network. Your Sprint account will remain the same, with the same price, plan, and invoicing, but you’ll now be able to use the T-Mobile network as your primary network.
- The T-Mobile network will appear on your device, and you will have access to the entire T-Mobile network.
- T-free Mobile’s Scam Shield app will be available to you, with exciting features like free Scam ID, Scam Block, and free Caller ID!
Is it possible to return to T-Mobile if I owe them money?
Even if you owe T-Mobile money, you can still get service. While your old account will be terminated and a reactivation fee will be charged, any outstanding debt will remain. The first step in any collecting claim should be to get it validated. If T-Mobile collections are unable to prove that the debt is yours, you can contest it (quickly) with the help of Credit Glory.