Q: I’ve had Verizon wireless for years and moved into a home where my cell does not work well. Verizon said we’re in a dead zone but won’t let us cancel our contract without a fee. What can we do?— Gene Kendell, Centennial
A: Not much.
Termination fees are a nasty beast, and seeing as you’ve signed an agreement to pay a fee — often a couple hundred dollars — if you canceled early for any reason, it appears you might be stuck.
But all might not be lost.
I spoke with the folks at Verizon and T-Mobile to get their take. Not surprisingly, neither would say they would or wouldn’t waive the fee.
Verizon said you’d have to prove you’re in a dead zone. Tip: Ask for their people to come check for you and find out whether there are “options to discontinue without a charge.”
Verizon also suggested dialing “*228” and “option 2” to download free software updates that could fix the issue.
T-Mobile said you’d have to pay the fee unless you opted for an in- home wireless router that allows customers to make unlimited cell calls via an existing wireless broadband connection for just $10 a month.
So, if you’re in a city that has not approved a wireless carrier and your house is in a dead zone, the router gives you the service. Cool, huh?
Still, it sounds like the companies want us all to check a new home’s location to ensure cell service before getting a mortgage.
The alternative? Don’t move.
David Migoya wants to get the answers to your consumer questions. E-mail consumertips@ denverpost.com or write to Consumer Shopping Bag, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave. Suite 600, Denver, 80202.
