Verizon Removes 10 Phones from $350 ETF Advanced Devices List

It appears that Verizon Wireless has felt the pressure from consumers, the FCC and other government officials. The carrier has covertly removed ten mobile phones from the list of phones that require its new $350 early termination fee.

The carrier has recently imposed a bold wireless contract policy that required a $350 ETF (early termination fee) for a select group of smartphones and “advanced devices.” Naturally, this action was met by stiff resistance from consumer groups, the FCC and a few senators headed by Amy Klobuchar.

I posted the complete list of "advanced" or multimedia phones several weeks ago. Well, that list has to be updated now that Verizon has chopped off ten devices. The devices taken off the list include the Motorola Krave, Samsung Rogue and five LG devices.

But why did Verizon remove ten devices from its $350 ETF advanced devices list? Well, a Verizon spokesman was unable to answer queries about the change. Some experts say that pressure from the FCC, who criticized Verizon's $350 ETF explanation and from other groups has moved the carrier into removing the devices from the list.

That's it fro this post on Verizon's controversial wireless contract policy. Tune in to this blog form more news and updates on wireless contracts and related topics.

iPhone Reponsible for Two-Year Wireless Contract Surge?

It appears that the number of consumers that are signing two-year mobile phone contracts are on the rise. A study conducted by the folks at Ofcom.org indicated that more than two in five mobile phone users have signed up to a two-year wireless contract. This number has reportedly increased significantly in the last few months due to the popularity of the Apple iPhone.

The iPhone 3GS has recently become widely available to mobile phone consumers throughout the globe. Apple's hit mobile phone was released in the U.S., Canada and six European countries on June 19, 2009, in Australia and Japan on June 26, and in other international markets in July and August, 2009.

The subsidized price that come with a two-year cell phone contract has made the iPhone more accessible to consumers. Customers also recognize that they can reduce their monthly bills since phone companies reserve the best rates for customers willing be tied in for a long time.

However, signing a two-year agreement also comes with some disadvantages.

For instance, the contract may restrict a consumer's choice for two years. This means that a user may not be able to keep track of the latest technologies to hit the market while being committed to a two-year agreement.

There are also some stiff penalties for consumers who decide to terminate an agreement. Verizon Wireless has recently taken heat for imposing a $350 early termination fee or ETF on its advanced devices.

Consumers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of signing- a long term contract before they sign on the dotted line.

That's it for this post. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on the wireless contracts industry.

FCC Demands Improved Increased ETF Explanation from Verizon

In my last post for this wireless contract blog, I posted about FCC member, Mignon Clyburn's comments on Verizon Wireless explanation for raising the ETF on advanced devices.

Clyburn expressed that Verizon's 77 page statement in defense of its new wireless contract policy is "unsatisfying" and "troubling." This time Federal Communications Commissioner Julius Genachowski has spoken out against the carrier's ETF increase explanation.

The commissioner was clearly unsatisfied with the carrier's explanation. Genachowski said, "I thought that response raised more questions than it answered. The bureau is looking into that... There's a very real level of consumer confusion around these areas"

However, Genachowski declined to say what the FCC's next move to mend this problem.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if the government exerts pressure to turn back the Verizon's ETF from $350 to $175.

Tune in to this wireless contract blog to keep tracks of developments in this story.

FCC on Verizon ETF Explanation: "Unsatisfying" and "Troubling"

A few weeks ago, Verizon Wireless released a 77 page statement in defense of its decision to increase the early termination fee or ETF for its "advanced devices" at the request of the FCC. This time, the commission has released its response to the carrier's defense of its increased ETF.

Well,. it appears that the 77 page statement did not impress the FCC. Mignon Clyburn, a Federal Communications Commission of the, described Verizon's official response to the FCC's query as "unsatisfying" and "troubling."

Here's more from Clyburn:

"Consumers already pay high monthly fees for voice and data designed to cover the costs of doing business. It is hard for me to believe that the public interest is being well served."

Those are some pretty scalding words for the Verizon Wireless. Let's see if they respond to these comments.

The FCC plans to investigate the matter further when it reconvenes in 2010 so tune in to this mobile phone contract blog to get the updates to this wireless contract news.