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AT&T Eases Its Contract Regs, Fees

Nation's biggest wireless provider follows Verizon's lead, pressuring the rest

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 17, 2007 1:22 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Wireless giant AT&T is following Verizon Wireless in loosening restrictions on customers who leave or change their calling plans. Flat early termination fees will be pro-rated, and plan alterations won't result in contract renewals. The move will put pressure on beleaguered No. 3 provider Sprint, writes the Wall Street Journal.

Sprint has lost more than 1 million customers this year, due to difficulties integrating its Nextel network, and expects to lose another 337,000 contract-bound customers in the third quarter. AT&T's changes won’t take effect until early 2008 and the total amount of the reduction is still undetermined, according the company.

AT&T Wireless is introducing looser plan restrictions and fees to allow customers greater flexibility.
AT&T Wireless is introducing looser plan restrictions and fees to allow customers greater flexibility.   (Getty Images)
Customers will be able to switch plans more easily, thanks to reduced termination fees at Verizon and AT&T.
Customers will be able to switch plans more easily, thanks to reduced termination fees at Verizon and AT&T.   (ShutterStock)
Contracts are no longer as difficult to get out of, thanks to reduced early termination fees at Verizon and AT&T.
Contracts are no longer as difficult to get out of, thanks to reduced early termination fees at Verizon and AT&T.   (ShutterStock)
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