Verizon Wireless to Ease Up on Fees

By BRUCE MEYERSON AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Targeting a top gripe by cell phone users and breaking ranks again with its industry, Verizon Wireless plans to prorate the fee it charges subscribers who break a contract so they only pay an amount proportional to the time left on their agreements.

The change in the early termination fee will be implemented this fall for all new customers and any Verizon Wireless subscribers who sign a new contract, the company announced Wednesday in tandem with a speech by CEO Denny Strigl at an industry conference.

The company, owned jointly by Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, also said it was addressing another customer frustration by enabling existing subscribers to upgrade to a new handset at the same steep discounts being offered to lure new customers.

U.S. wireless companies, their subscribers trapped by contracts and early termination fees, typically offer much smaller savings, if at all, on upgrades while they're under contract. Verizon's new flexibility will be available to subscribers with calling plans of $50 after 12 months.

Wireless cancellation fees are a longtime sore point among consumers, provoking lawsuits and legislative proposals to prohibit and cap them.

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