Is there a fee to cancel AT&T Wireless?
Among the top wireless phone, message, and data service providers available in the United States of America is AT&T Wireless. But at some point in time, you could have to stop your service with AT&T for whatever reason. Maybe you have discovered another provider you would like or just do not need a mobile phone plan anymore and you may be wondering: is there a cost for stopping my AT&T Wireless service? Let us then review the regulations and practices for cancelation.
AT&T Early Termination Fees
However, AT&T Internet does impose an ETF which you are required to pay should you terminate the service before the agreed contract length. For most plans, the ETF is $180 per line for Smartphones and $150 per line for basic as well as quick messaging phones. This fee is reduced by $5 each month that you maintain your service. Therefore, if you remain within the contract term for 6 months, the ETF would be $120 ($180 minus $60 for the credits for 12 months).
The ETF applies whether you directly subscribed to the AT&T internet service or whether you got the service through a third-party vendor. It means that if you cancel early, you agree to pay the fee when activating your service. There are those customers who may be offered certain promotional plans or devices that may be associated with high ETFs. So it is suggested to read the specific AT&T Wireless contract for details.
When ETFs Apply
AT&T Wireless will charge an early termination fee if: AT&T Wireless will charge an early termination fee if:
- You cancel your service before the completion of the agreed period of either 1 or 2 years.
- You activated an AT&T Next installment plan for a device and have not yet fully paid off the total cost of your phone or tablet after 18 to 30 monthly payments depending on the plan. You are still expected to pay the balance plus any charges that may apply.
- One line has been canceled on a family plan but the account is still open. The ETF applies only to the line you have canceled.
ETFs usually do not apply if: ETFs usually do not apply if:
- You terminate the service at the end of a contract period (after one or two years depending on the agreed plan).
- You cancel within the first 14 days of the start of the trial and return the device within the trial period.
- You cancel one of your services due to being called to active military duty in another country
It is important to note that canceling an AT&T Wireless Service requires certain formalities to be completed as illustrated above.
If you do decide to cancel your AT&T cell phone plan, here are the steps to do so: If you do decide to cancel your AT&T cell phone plan, here are the steps to do so:
1. Speak with AT&T – They have an around-the-clock AT&T Wireless customer service helpline which can be contacted through the phone at 800-331-0500 and there is also the option of live chatting with a representative. Make them understand that you want to terminate your service and disconnect your line. Give details that would allow the site to confirm your account for security reasons.
2. Get your 6-digit MECID – If you want to port or transfer your telephone number to a new service provider you will have to get your Mobile Equipment Identifier (MECID). Specifically, to cancel the service, ask the AT&T representative the following question: ‘When am I getting this code?’
3. Settle any outstanding balances – Firstly, settle the latest AT&T bill, which includes the current month’s service charges. It also states that you may be responsible for the remaining balance in the device installment plan, or early upgrade charges. AT&T will inform you of the amount that you owe after cancellation, if any.
4. Return equipment/early termination fee – Depending on the specific plan or device promotion, you may be required to return or terminate your equipment, or pay an early termination fee when you cancel service. This has to do with phones, tablets, or any other connected device that you might still have an outstanding balance on due to payment plan agreements.
5. Porting number – To change your phone number to another carrier, begin the port request with the new cell phone company immediately. Make sure to enter the 6-digit MECID code from AT&T when the porting process is requested for the porting to occur.
The cancellation and number porting process can last from 1 to 5 days with consideration of the actions of AT&T and your new carrier. The new wireless provider will notify you when the AT&T cancellation and the number port is complete. Then you can proceed with your number through the new mobile communication network. Continue paying your bills to AT&T until all the processes are finalized or else you will end up damaging your credit.
This means that, as you request for cancellation, you should look out for any renewal or extension fees that AT&T has set to happen automatically. Other customers complained that their service does not end as they are billed for another contract they never agreed to, and in some cases, they still have their autopay activated. In order not to be debited early termination fees for canceling what you assumed to be disconnected service, it is wise to follow up often with AT&T until all of the services are terminated for good. This way, you are freed from AT&T Wireless service and do not have to pay for it unnecessarily.
When it comes time to close your account, perhaps this material will enable you to better grasp AT&T Wireless cancellation costs, regulations, and restrictions. Please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything more you would like knowledge on.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.