T-Mobile proposes settlement for early termination fees
Class action suits against carrier early termination fees (ETFs) are nothing new, but now it appears one case may come to an end.
Though it has yet to be approved by the court, T-Mobile has proposed a settlement in an $11.5 million class action suit filed in August 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The suit alleges that T-Mobile broke federal and state laws when charging the ETFs.
The settlement would cover T-Mobile subscribers who were charged a flat-rate ETF from July 23, 1999 to February 19, 2009, or those whose service contract included an ETF during the same time period. The settlement would resolve several other pending cases that challenge T-Mobile's flat-rate ETFs.
T-Mobile customers who file a claim form will be eligible for one of three awards, according to the terms of the settlement. Customers who paid an ETF can receive up to $125. Customers who were charged an ETF but did not pay and did not receive a full credit within 30 days, can receive up to $25.
"Non-cash" relief will be provided for customers who had an ETF in their contract. Such relief could include 50 bonus minutes a month for three months, 100 bonus text messages a month for three months, "T-Mobile HotSpot" access for three days, or the right to have your contract with T-Mobile contain a prorated ETF. T-Mobile began prorating ETFs in June 2008.
Kent German is a senior editor for cell phone reviews at CNET. When he's not testing the newest handsets on the market, he's blogging about cell phone news for Crave. In his On Call column, he answers reader questions and gives his take on the rapidly changing mobile industry. E-mail Kent. 

- by susan_k74 January 25, 2010 6:03 PM PST
- Hi All,
<br />I paid the early termination fee 9/30/04 to TMobile. I cancelled because of charges that were higher than i was told before I went overseas for a month. So besides an outrageous bill i had the termination fee too. They sent me to a collection agency in Sept. 2007 saying I never paid. I notified the collection agency and sent the proof. I also called TMobile and they kept haning up on me. I have the letter I sent which included the famous statement, "This debt will be null and void /assumed paid unless you notify the consumer within 30 days,,etc." Just like they send to us! Well, I just received another letter from a collection agency today 1/25/10 that the balance is outstanding, omg. I contacted the agency , got no where. I contacted TMobile and announced I was recording call and asked for manager. Call was transfered and the manager said it seems the bill was paid and the paperwork wasnt handled properly. At some point he realized that i was recording the phone call and said I must stop for call to continue. I asked if he was recording my call and he said yes. You get the drift of that part, lol. So he said I have to call collection agency because he cant help me. He has already admitted bill seems wrong but as soon as he knows call is being recorded he refuses to speak anymore. I have already sent documents to prove my case which hasnt gotten me anywhere. I have filed a complaint with FCC. i have filled out a request on line for legal help through lawyersand setttlements. I am tired of the games. I paid my debt and am still fighting to clear my name. I cant afford a lawyer. Anyone have any suggestions I am all ears.
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