According to this report, the FCC here in the U.S. is inquiring about Verizon’s increased early termination fees (ETF) and their effect on Verizon’s customers. In addition to that inquiry, the FCC also wants answers about Verizon charging their customers a fee when the customer inadvertently accesses the Verizon Mobile Web without realizing it. In response, Verizon issued a note in which they explain that their ETF has to do with the cost of subdizing more expensive mobile handsets. As for Mobile Web access fee, Verizon made it clear that they are generally happy to reverse any accidental charges that come up surrounding the issue.

What does this mean to you?

Mobile contracts and subsidized handsets spell major expense later on. It’s just that simple. If you think that you’re going to instantly knock hundreds of dollars off the price of expensive smart phones without selling your souls, then re-read your mobile contract more carefully. It’s all right there in the fine print. If you simply must have the latest and greatest, pay retail and DO NOT re-up on your existing mobile contract if you think you might wish to switch later on.