Early termination fees on wireless contracts one step closer to termination

The little play on words is obvious. Consumers are just a little bit closer to being free of early termination fees on wireless contracts. A California judge ruled this week that it was illegal for Sprint Nextel to charge early termination fees, and they must refund over $18 million to consumers. The company must also stop trying to collect over $54 million in unpaid early termination fees from former customers.

Of course, Sprint Nextel is going to appeal so we shouldn't get too excited yet. But this ruling is good for consumers, who are at the mercy of wireless providers who are looking for any excuse to get a little more money out of each of us.

The whole idea of an early termination fee is ridiculous. If you want to stop using our service earlier than you planned, you have to pay a couple hundred dollars. To not use the service.