How much is the early termination fee for AT&T internet?
It should be noted that opting for the cancellation of the AT&T internet service before the completion of the agreed period can also entail some charges. An early termination fee has been mentioned when the client is dismissed by AT&T before the end of the contract period. Okay, let me get this straight; How much is this in an actual sense? Now let’s sketch in the AT&T early termination policy and the possible cost for breaking an internet contract early.
At what amount is AT&T’s Early Termination Fee?
An early termination fee is an extra money paid to a customer should he or she want to end the internet service contract before the designated period with AT&T. This relates to most of the AT&T internet packages, which often come with a 12- or 24-month commitment.
The early termination charge is meant to cover AT&T's losses after registering you as a client. This covers the prices cut off from peers as well as the first promotional pricing cuts they presented to you. Therefore, you probably will forfeit part of the original perks you registered for if you decide to cancel early.
What Is the AT&T Early Termination Fee for?
Also, you will need to pay early termination fees in case you want to cancel the AT&T internet service, and the fee can be up to $180. Here is a breakdown:
- For DSL internet plans only, the ETF begins at $180. This reduces by $10 for every month of service successfully rendered by the company or provider.
- The ETF for fixed wireless internet plans is also relatively high and begins at $150. This also decreases by $10 for each completed month.
- For fiber internet plans, this early termination fee can range from $180 to $150 depending on the plans and conditions of the plan that was opted for. It reduces monthly like the above plans.
So for example:
- If you cancel an internet plan with a $180 ETF after 5 months, you will be charged $150 ($180 – $10 for each month completed).
- If you cancel an internet plan with a $150 ETF after 10 months, you get charged $50 ($150 – $10 per month for those 10 months).
When Does the ETF Decrease or Go Away?
The early termination fee for AT&T's internet service declines over time, as illustrated below. On the other hand, the ETF reduces to zero after a certain number of months have been completed.
- For 12-month contracts, the ETF is reduced to zero after 11 months of service have been provided.
- For 24-month contracts, the ETF is $0 after 23 months.
Therefore, if you are within the last few months of your contract term then it is often beneficial to wait for one or two more months. This way you can avoid paying an early termination fee which is usually very high.
Can You List ETFs That Have Had a Waiver?
The only circumstances under which AT&T will not charge for early termination are as follows. Some reasons you may qualify for an ETF waiver include.
- Relocating to an area where AT&T internet is not available
- Chronic disease, disability, or death
However, AT&T will sometimes allow a waiver for the ETF in these special cases. But you usually have to show documents why you need the contract termination, that is why you want it canceled. However, even in these exceptional circumstances, waivers are not a certainty.
Ways of Escaping from Early Termination Fee
It’s not amusing to sign up with an early termination fee only to be charged a hefty amount when terminating early. Here are a few tips to avoid paying AT&T's early cancellation penalty.
Till Your Contract Been Renewed
One way to avoid the ETF is to keep serving your clients until your contract expires, and then leave at will. Recall that if the customer has a 12-month or 24-month contract, then the fee decreases to $0 after the 11th or the 23rd month, respectively.
Downgrade Your Plan
Another possible measure could be degrading your AT&T plan to one that does not involve the contract but is still acceptable in terms of services offered. Although the fees for changing a plan might still be charged, this is not as expensive as canceling the service and incurring in the ETF.
Transfer Service to New Occupant
If you’re relocating you can often simply transfer the AT&T service over to the next tenant of the home without any of those penalty fees. In this particular transfer of service, both parties have to agree on it.
Suspending Service
It is better to put your AT&T on hold temporarily instead of canceling the account. This suspends your contract term and monthly payment until you use the service again. Some limitations can be mentioned but it provides a possibility to free oneself from fees during the transition period.
In most cases, the termination fee is not completely removed but rather frozen and only activated when you resume your suspended services. Nevertheless, the suspension helps you to have some additional freedom if faced with early cancellation penalties.
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