Sprint Slapped Over Early Termination Fees

It'll be at least October 21 before we know for sure, but Sprint has agreed to settle a lawsuit over early-termination fees. If you canceled a Sprint contract between July 1, 1999 and December 31, 2008-- you may qualify for up to $95.

A proposed national settlement has been reached in a class action proceeding alleging that Sprint, Nextel and/or Sprint Nextel's use of a flat-rate early termination fee (ETF) in its customer wireless agreement violate the Federal Communications Act and consumer protection laws of the states and of the United States.

The company has agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle the class action lawsuit.

If you think you may qualify for a cash or credit refund, check the website: http://www.sprintetfsettlement.com

For current customers, Sprint won't be charging flat rate early termination fees until at least 2011 -- but that doesn't get you out of your Sprint contract if you were considering switching: pro-rated fees are still fair game.

The confirmation hearing is October 21, but customers can file a claim now.

As is typical, Sprint has denied any wrong-doing.