Digital Home Thoughts: AT&T: 'Early Termination Fees A Great Deal For Consumers'

"Those early termination fees (ETFs) that consumers pay for switching cell phones in mid-contract are a great deal, an attorney for AT&T told the Federal Communications Commission yesterday. "ETF-backed term contracts give customers the ability to lower their monthly charges and upfront handset costs in exchange for their promise to pay monthly charges for the life of the contract or alternatively to pay the ETF in lieu of the remaining charges," Seamus C. Duffy explained to the FCC. Not only that, but "the overwhelming popularity of these rate plans has fueled the tremendous increase in wireless penetration, usage, and technical innovation documented by the [FCC's] annual reports on wireless competition."

Right. It is such a great deal for consumers, I am waiting for the online petition so my utility companies, cable bill and NNTP service fee implement an ETF. And I am sure those of you paying monthly fees for acces to subscription sites, music sites and many more are also excited about ETFs everywhere, because according to the AT&T attorney, it is a good thing for us. No, not just a good thing, but a "Great Deal!" In fact, I think Jason may be working on an ETF program for Thoughts Media subscribers, because he surely wouldn't want to cheat you out of a great deal.