InfoAnda - Verizon Wireless says early termination fees fair |

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

HP to focus more on software, new CEO says | 23 November 2010
The Unit, Earl, Medium get the ax | Entertainment | | 20 May 2009
Teenage suicide bomber kills 17 in Pakistan | 8 December 2010

FBI Launches Aggressive Initiative To Fill Over 2,100 Vacancies | 6 January 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Verizon Wireless says early termination fees fair |

Edition: U.S. Article Comments (4) Save Email Print Reprints Most Popular Most Shared Fox says Time Warner Cable may drop Fox TV shows 18 Dec 2009 Exclusive: Pentagon delays new "bunker buster" bomb 18 Dec 2009 U.S.-led climate deal under threat in Copenhagen | Video 1:17am EST UPDATE 2-OneWest buys First Federal as 7 US banks fail 18 Dec 2009 GM to shut down Saab, talks with Spyker fail 18 Dec 2009 Fox says Time Warner Cable may drop Fox TV shows 18 Dec 2009 U.S.-led climate deal under threat in Copenhagen | Video 1:17am EST UPDATE 2-OneWest buys First Federal as 7 US banks fail 18 Dec 2009 "Nickel and Dimed" author sees lost middle class 18 Dec 2009 Ex-BoA executive said raising fund for bank deals 18 Dec 2009 Pictures Pictures of the year: Technology A look at the year's best science and technology photos. Slideshow Verizon Wireless says early termination fees fair John Poirier WASHINGTON Fri Dec 18, 2009 5:52pm EST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless on Friday defended its fee hikes on early cancellations of phone contracts, citing declining prices customers pay for handsets in a letter to regulators. Media Earlier this month the Federal Communications Commission launched an inquiry into why the company doubled fees to $350 for ending contracts linked to some smartphones, which are often offered to customers at a reduced or no cost if a contract is signed. The FCC inquiry is part of a broader consumer protection inquiry the agency launched in August into the disclosure of fees and charges associated with advertisements, point-of-sale and bundling. "This ETF (early termination fee) structure is fair and reasonable," Verizon Wireless said in a letter to the FCC. The company is a joint venture between Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc. The company said the overall cost for providing and supporting devices to customers at a low upfront price has increased substantially. However, it didn't provide any data to back up the claim. It said, for example, the loss from an early termination at the 12-month mark is more than double the remaining fee for a smartphone, which would be about $230. "Verizon Wireless still incurs a financial loss from early terminations, even with the $350 ETF," the company said. An FCC spokesperson said the agency is reviewing the letter. FEE NOT ONLY FOR WHOLESALE COST OF HANDSET Verizon Wireless added that the fee is not limited to the recovery of the wholesale cost of the device over the life of the contract. "The ETF partially compensates Verizon Wireless for all the costs and risks of providing service, which include advertising, commission, store costs, and network costs." Free Press, a public interest group, said the letter represents an admission by the company that it is imposing unfair penalty fees to deter consumers from switching carriers. "Verizon is blowing smoke at the FCC's attempts to protect consumers from their unfair billing practices," said Chris Riley, a Free Press policy counsel. "The bottom line is that (the) FCC needs to spur some real competition, which will lead to lower device prices and more choices." In its letter to Verizon Wireless, the FCC wanted to know why a customer had to pay $120 for ending a two-year contract after 23 months with an advanced handset. Like other wireless providers, Verizon Wireless pro-rates fees over time. The company said a fee for breaking a contract linked to a smart phone is $350 and it drops by $10 a month; therefore a $120 fee would remain after 23 months. A regular phone carries a $175 early termination fee which costs $10 less each month. A study by the Government Accountability Office shows early-termination fees as a major reason preventing wireless customers from switching carriers. That has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who say that with rapidly changing technology, consumers should not be chained to their wireless provider for years through exorbitant early termination fees. (Reporting by John Poirier; Editing by Richard Chang) Media Comments See All Comments (4) | Post Comment Dec 18, 2009 Verizon sent me an offer to add 100 free minutes to my then existing contract. I accepted and, unbeknownst to me, Verizon extended my contract by a year. That meant that I had to pay a ridiculous termination charge for no value given. I’ve since terminated both my contract an my two Verizon landlines. Put politely: Verizon abuses its oligopoly. Obelix Report As Abusive Dec 18, 2009 What a crock of S**T. Amazing how 90% of the phones that Verizon sells can be found in an unlocked version for less than $200 online with some less than $100. But of course, since the FCC has more of a responsibility to corporate lobbiests, nothing will be done. Just another example of a government entity appearing to do a service to the community while doing nothing at all. Xtlman Report As Abusive Dec 18, 2009 I think FCC should take action against all cell phone service providers by delinking the handset from the provider. It does not make sense to buy equipment from the provider and they manipulate all the charges due to the handset provision. Simple logic – do we buy TV sets from the cable provider or do we buy computers from internet providers? NO. Its simple as that and by doing so the customer benefits a fair deal from both equipment competition and service provider competition. Additionally the cost of these phones increases since the same phone manufacturer is providing the same equipment with minor changes to the model & model number or sometimes trying to sell a specific model with a specific provider due to their collaboration. When the equipment and the service provider are delinked it eliminates ETC on the whole and everyone would be just about happy that everything is being done on a fair basis. SevenStar Report As Abusive Dec 18, 2009 I dont have a problem with ETFs. You signed a contract and should read through all the provisions. loretomaka Report As Abusive See All Comments (4) Add a Comment More from Reuters U.S.-led climate deal under threat in Copenhagen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - U.N. climate talks fell into crisis on Saturday after some developing nations angrily rejected a plan worked out by U.S. President Barack Obama and leaders of other major economies for fighting global warming. | Video Storm threatens U.S. retailers' last holiday push Senate races clock on health bill Afghan leader seen naming technocrat-heavy cabinet Pentagon delays new "bunker buster" bomb House prices rose 0.2 percent in 3rd quarter: survey » More Top News The food-stamp economy On the last day of every month, shoppers at Walmart load their carts with food and household items and wait for the midnight hour. Is this the new normal in America? Full Article Factbox: A look at food stamps in U.S. Focusing on food for the holidays A "lost" middle class? U.S. Let's make a deal The battered M&A sector will make a tepid recovery in the coming year and three hot sectors will lead the way, according to a Thomson Reuters analysis. Full Article JPMorgan tops ECM rankings Hungry for deals after a forced diet Fewer bankruptcies seen in 2010 Global Deals Review © Copyright 2009 Thomson Reuters Editorial Editions: Africa Arabic Argentina Brazil Canada China France Germany India Italy Japan Latin America Mexico Russia Spain United Kingdom United States Reuters Contact Us Advertise With Us Help Journalism Handbook Archive Site Index Video Index Analyst Research Mobile Newsletters RSS Podcasts Widgets Your View Labs Thomson Reuters Copyright Disclaimer Privacy Professional Products Professional Products Support Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Careers Online Products Acquisitions Monthly Buyouts.com Buyouts Europe: Buyouts Conferences: Venture Capital Journal ECVJ International Financing Review International Securitisation Report Project Finance International PEhub.com PE Week Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Saturday, 19 December 2009
Lebanon ship rescuers find 14 survivors, nine bodies
Snowy Europe cold snap brings transport chaos
Swiss and Google reach privacy accord pending verdict
Iranian forces take over Iraq oil well
British borrowing rockets to record high
EU employers concerned about Chinese protectionism
French ex-president Chirac faces new corruption charges
Mexico turns to navy to bolster flagging drug war |
Iraq: Iran oil well takeover violated sovereignty
US-TECH Summary
Twitter hacked by "Iranian Cyber Army"
Karzai to keep pro-West ministers: Afghan officials |
Google in talks to buy Yelp: report
Morocco yields to pressure, activist back home |
French court rules against Google
Colombia says Mexico capo death weakens cartel ties |
Bruised Berlusconi to capitalize on assault |
Twitter hacked by 'Iranian Cyber Army'
Support lower for U.N. text on religion defamation |
U.S. trade court rules for Kodak in patent fight |
Deadlock forces climate talks into overtime
Va. man convicted of in-home indecent exposure
Suicide bomber near Pakistan mosque kills 10
U.S. and Russia close to agreeing arms deal
'Details' still outstanding in new US arms treaty: Russia
Hundreds demand Papuan independence
Slain Fla. girl's mom may still face death penalty
Massacre suspect mobbed by journalists in Philippines
GOP signals more delays ahead for health bill
Vietnam's 'illegal' Buddhists seek French asylum
'Pink Panther' jewel thieves sentenced in Serbia
High-speed ferry ends service from Maine to Canada
Mosque bomb kills 11 as US drone targets NW Pakistan
Storms flood Fla., bear snow for mid-Atlantic
Volunteer work resolves NYC cat-stomping case
Rights group accuses Mongolia over 2008 rioting
New CDC estimate: 1 in 110 children have autism
US official: Obama, Chinese take 'step forward'
Feds: Arrests in Africa link al-Qaida, drugs
Chinese environmental group wins two cases
US says China agrees to end brand subsidies WTO case
Keira Knightley wins mixed reviews in stage debut
Chinese environmental group wins 2 cases
India to grow strongly but food inflation a worry
North Korea sets new prices, uncertainties remain
Jon and Kate Gosselin divorce finalized |
Michael Jackson tribute concert scrapped |
Spain's 'guardian angels' help reduce prison suicides
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Keira Knightley wins mixed reviews in stage debut
Jackson tribute organizer in liquidation
Beauty is between eyes, mouth of the beholden
ABC Newsman Charles Gibson's last day at work
Afghan president faces first test with cabinet choices
Afghan leader keeps top ministers in new cabinet |
Twitter hacked by 'Iranian Cyber Army'
Three Eurostar trains stuck in Channel Tunnel
Iraq accuses Iran of seizing oil well near border
Ailing Chrysler has nothing new for Detroit auto show
Stop threats if you want a nuclear deal, Ahmadinejad tells West
'Avatar' director Cameron gets Hollywood star
Iraq protests against Iranian takeover of oil well
Fifty Serbian citizens leave on first visa-free EU visit
Sales of music video games plummet in 2009
Attacks on Greek ruling party offices ahead of debt talks
Trade court rules for Kodak in patent fight
Deadlock forces climate talks into overtime
French court rules against Google
Thieves steal infamous Auschwitz death camp sign
Uganda anti-gay measure a bad precedent |
Trade court rules for Kodak in patent fight
RIM outshines Palm but fails to dispel all doubts |
Report: US helped Yemen's strike against al-Qaida
Sales of music video games plummet in 2009 |
Cambodia to deport Uighurs despite persecution fears
P & G Issues Recall For Dayquil Cold & Flu Liquicaps Due To Lack Of Child-Resistant Backing
Google in talks to buy review site Yelp: reports |
Philippine volcano evacuees facing 'months away'
Book explores evangelical monopoly in sports world
Majority Of CEOs Surveyed Plan To Increase Workforce Over Next 1.5 Years
Verizon Wireless says early termination fees fair |
SEA Games: Inquest starts for table-topping Thailand
Correction: Ganja Gourmet story
Restaurant: Discount With Grilled Cheese Sandwich Tattoo
CDC: Rare infection passed on by Miss. organ donor
Child, 4, Found Drinking Beer Wearing Dress
Cambodia to expel 20 Uighurs despite US protest
Death Penalty Use Decreases In U.S.
Kansas girl says 'Superman' lifted vehicle off her
Patent Battle Reset For NewRiver and Newkirk Products
Chinese-sculpted winter wonderland in Washington
Researchers: Umbilical Cord New Option For Stem Cell Harvesting
Beijing vehicles exceed four million: state media
Man arrested after throwing paint on Vegas sign
French Court Fines Google $430,000 For Violating Copyright Law In Digitizing, Publishing Books Online, Orders Google To Stop
Europe laments 'lack of ambition' in climate deal
Book: Prosecutors were prepared to indict Clintons
Obama sends New Year's greetings to Hmong
Gay Couple Argue Over Divorce
Justice Department Asks Court Not To Lift ACORN Funding Ban
Australian PM says climate talks nearly collapsed
Pakistani c.bank buys 120 bln rupees of govt paper
World air travel falls record 3.1 percent in 2009
Eminem named artist of decade on U.S. charts |
"Avatar" midnight screenings pull in $3.5 mln
Alicia Keys finds freedom from Motown sound |
"Alien" screenwriter Dan O'Bannon dead at 63
Madonna leads list of 2009's top music tours |
The five legal cases that defined the year in music |
Alien screenwriter Dan O'Bannon dead at 63 |
Officials: Pot found on 2 Lil Wayne tour buses
Kashmir's disabled cricketer dreams of India match
Jackson's 'Captain EO' to return to Disneyland
Rising affluence sees Beijing cars pass 4 mln mark
Flying Chihuahuas: Dogs change coast in big exodus
Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles files for divorce
ABC News' Charles Gibson signs off after 34 years
Eminem named artist of decade on U.S. charts
Madonna leads list of 2009's top music tours
Iraqi troops in standoff with Iran
Iran, Iraq seek diplomatic end to border dispute |
Google phone revolution or misdirection?
Karzai tries to please all with new Afghan cabinet
Nigeria oil rebels claim attack over talks delay |
Lebanon's Hariri in Syria for landmark talks
Cambodia to deport Uighurs despite persecution fears |
U.S. helped Yemen with hardware, intelligence: report |
Lebanon's Hariri in Syria for landmark talks |
Iran ready to examine nuclear fuel swap offers: FM
Strong quake hits Taiwan, minor damage reported |
Karzai tries to please all backers with new Afghan cabinet
Four al Qaeda suspects found in Yemen hospital |
Lebanon's Hariri in Syria on first trip as PM
Suspected insurgents kill 3 Buddhists in Thai south |
Pope John Paul moves closer to sainthood |
Karzai presents new Afghan Cabinet list
Chinese vice president arrives on Myanmar visit
15 rescued Sri Lankan refugees leave Indonesia
Key defense spending vote in Senate on Saturday
Nominees for Afghanistan's new Cabinet
The nation's weather
Pakistani ruling party grapples with amnesty's end
U.S.-Russia arms deal unlikely before Feb-newspaper
Suspected insurgents kill 3 Buddhists in Thai south
Zardari convenes Pakistan crisis talks
Brazil AG's appeal backs US dad in custody battle
Pakistan ruling party grapples with court decision
China's vice-president arrives in Myanmar for talks
Honda to build fifth plant in China: report
Beijing enlists LA Lakers to promote city: report
Restaurant: Discount With Grilled Cheese Sandwich Tattoo
Child, 4, Found Drinking Beer Wearing Dress
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01