In case you were thinking that the new price change Sprint has made allows you to break contract ETF free – think again.

“Getting out of cell phone jail is among the more vexing problems for electronics consumers.  In most cases, a new handset means a new two-year commitment — and that, in turn, can mean missing out on the latest gadget, like the new iPhone, or putting up with inferior service while riding out a contract.

For years, however, savvy users have known about the occasional “get out of jail free” card that sometimes appears like manna from gadget Heaven — the “material change in contract.” If a cell service provider changes the terms of the two-year agreement, consumers have the right to escape their contracts and achieve cell phone free agency. Each time a firm has made such a change — such as when Sprint raised its administrative fee to 99 cents per line in 2008 — users have leapt at the chance to jump ship without a dreaded early-termination fee (ETF).

But Sprint has wised up in this cat-and-mouse game, much to the chagrin of users who’d like out of their contracts with the firm right now. The resulting dispute has consumers crying foul, and accusing Sprint of doctoring contracts to hold on to customers against their will.

On Sept. 9, Sprint once again raised its administrative fee, this time from 99 cents to $ 1.50. Frustrated customers rejoiced, assuming this change would liberate them from their contracts. Strategies were plotted on websites devoted to escaping from cell contracts, and some consumers who called immediately after the notification was sent in August reported receiving early- termination fee waivers.

Then, Sprint put its foot down. The contract change is not material, operators are now telling consumers — you are stuck with us.“

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