An early termination fee (ETF) is a penalty charged by a mobile phone carrier when a customer cancels their service contract before the end of the agreed-upon term. ETFs can be substantial, so it’s important to be aware of them before signing a contract. Sprint is one of the major mobile phone carriers in the United States, and they charge an ETF of $200 for customers who cancel their service within the first 12 months of their contract. There are a few ways to avoid paying Sprint’s ETF, including:
Upgrading your device: If you upgrade your device through Sprint, you may be able to avoid the ETF. This is because Sprint often offers promotions that waive the ETF for customers who upgrade their devices.
Switching to another Sprint plan: If you switch to another Sprint plan, you may be able to avoid the ETF. This is because Sprint often offers promotions that waive the ETF for customers who switch to a new plan.
Porting your number to another carrier: If you port your number to another carrier, you may be able to avoid the ETF. This is because Sprint does not charge an ETF for customers who port their numbers to another carrier.
Paying the ETF: If you are unable to avoid the ETF, you can simply pay it. The ETF will be added to your final bill.