What do I do with my AT&T equipment after I cancel?

Posted on: 10 Aug 2024
What do I do with my AT&T equipment after I cancel?

Following the termination of your AT&T Internet, there is some equipment that you will return which we discuss below. This generally entails equipment such as cable boxes, routers, modems, TV receivers, and wireless gateways. Here's a guide on what to do with your AT&T equipment after cancellation.

Return Equipment to Avoid Fees

AT&T owns all the equipment it uses, but the company permits individuals to use this equipment as they are its customers. However, it must be returned when one cancels or else attract some fees. The cost rate of unreturned equipment fees varies according to the state, with a minimum of $150 and a maximum of $400 for each item.

To be free from charges, you will have to return any rented or leased equipment from the AT&T account that you have. This usually includes:

  • Cable Boxes
  • Routers & Modems
  • Wireless Receivers
  • Gateways
  • DVRs
  • Satellite Dishes of Receivers

They also offer return kits to those who wish to mail back the equipment. However, equipment can also be returned to an AT&T store or any other authorized retail outlet that deals with the product. For leased items that may remain on the premises after the implementation of the recovery plan, AT&T may organize for their pick up through a courier. Carefully examine all return instructions that may be included in your final bill or cancellation notice.

Return of Time Frames and Deadlines

In most cases at AT&T, all equipment must be returned within 21 days of canceling service. Pricing for some items increases and unreturned equipment fees begin to apply if you fail to return equipment on time.

In the AT&T final bill, ensure you make a note of any deadlines that are present. Memorize these dates to avoid having equipment stuck in the depot beyond the due date. If you believe you won’t be able to return your phone before the specified date, call AT&T to inquire whether it is possible to avail of an extension.

What You Should Do If You Want To Return AT&T Equipment

1. Locate All Equipment
Make sure to collect cable boxes, routers, receivers, and any other rented device from AT&T. The police should also look behind the TV stands and entertainment centers where the equipment may be placed.

2. Use Provided Return Kits
Currently, AT&T sends return labels and boxes to customers with pre-paid shipping fees. Pack all the devices in boxes and properly cover them with proper sealing with all the wires and any other accessories. Stick the shipping label on the parcel and drop it off at the concerned shipping service provider.

3. Return At AT&T Store
First, go to the internet and look for an AT&T-owned retail store in your area to deliver hardware in person. Lastly, stores will be responsible for packing, labeling, and returning the devices to warehouses. Ensure that the receipt is provided as an acknowledgment that the return has been made.

4. Schedule Equipment Pickup
The dispatch internet service of AT&T can be arranged to begin at homes and other business establishments. To activate the retrieval service, one has to call customer support or refer to the final bill provided by the cable company. Receiving of Equipment: Equipment is collected from the location and when done they are returned and all this is done free of charge.

Keep Proof of Returns

It is recommended that when returning equipment, some form of receipt should always be issued. For outgoing shipments or store returns, request for return confirmation specifying the products returned and the date it was returned. This is your evidence in case there is a disagreement on the outstanding amount of money for equipment that has not been returned.

The next question is what should be done with equipment that was borrowed but not returned to the organization?

In the case of leased gateways, receivers, or DVRs, customers cannot retain equipment after they cancel the service. These items are not the property of the customer but belong to AT&T Company.

However, there could be some ways to keep, or even sell unused customer’s modems or routers, or any other unnecessary equipment. They were not rented but bought for cash at full retail prices for such devices when new. We need to check with AT&T before disposing of any customer-owned equipment.

Do not forget to erase or reset the data on corporate-owned devices that are stored on personally owned devices before selling or disposing. This guards against passwords, account numbers, and any other secret information from being revealed.

It is time to return your equipment to us!

Nobody enjoys paying for the fees of not returning equipment that he or she borrowed from another party. By returning all rented cable boxes, routers, and other items you need, you do not need to pay these extra charges from AT&T after cancellation. If choosing a return location is unduly difficult, then it may make sense to sign up for a retrieval service. Also, they should make it a point to save their receipts as proof that they did return the products.

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.


Related Stories