Weddingbee boards

T-Mobile, like the other carriers, has a pro-rated structure for ETFs (early termination fees). The pro-rating is a recent development, though, and only came about after some big class action lawsuits. The standard ETF is $200, and can go down to $100 or $50 depending on how much time is left on the contract. (The less time remaining, the lower the fee.)

T-Mobile's policy only got enacted in June 2008, however, so the pro-ration applies to new or renewed contracts starting on that date (6/28/08). I would check with the account holder to see when he/she signed the contract. If it's before that date, you might be on hook for the full $200.

There's a class action lawsuit - pending, I think - that provides some financial compensation for T-Mobile customers that paid an ETF before that date. I know because I'm one of those customers! But I can't remember how or where you sign up to be a member of that class, and the window to sign up may have closed already.

Hope that helps!

Hello again! If your FI isn't under contract, it is way cheaper for him to migrate to T-Mobile rather than have you pay $200 to switch to AT&T. Your FI won't have to pay anything for leaving AT&T. But obviously there are many other reasons besides cost for switching carriers - coverage, service, phone selection, etc. Hope everything works out!