Sprint settles Class Action lawsuit over ETF's for $14 million dollars in cash, $3.5 mil in benefits

Sprint has settled a class action lawsuit relating to its early termination fee (ETF) for a total of $14 million in cash and $3.5 million in non-cash benefits. After deducting attorney's fees (no small matter to be sure), incentives, costs and other items, the benefits will be divided amongst those members of the class with approved claims. The final payout to the class members will depend on whether a Sprint customer actually paid an ETF, was merely charged one, or if service was terminated. Furthermore, the carrier has agreed not to put a flat rate ETF into its service agreements for personal wireless contracts until January 1st, 2011.

Those who had a 2 year contract and terminated within 6 months, or a 1 year contract and terminated within 3 months, and can prove that they paid an ETF, will receive $25 in cash. Instead, if they want to remain with the carrier, they will receive a waiver of the $36 activation fee and 100 bonus minutes per month for year 1 of a 2 year contract.

Those who had a 2 year contract and terminated between the 7th and 24th month, or a 1year contract and terminated between the 4th and 12th  month, and can prove that theypaid an ETF, will receive $90 in cash. Instead, if they want to remainwith the carrier, they will receive a waiver of the $36 activation feeand 100 bonus minutes per month for year 1 of a 2 year contract.

The settlement is conditioned upon it receiving a Final Approval Order from the Court scheduled for October 21st. Certain Sprint or Nextel customers from July 1, 1999 to December 31 2008 who paid an ETF, were charged an ETF  or had service terminated because of an ETF charge by Sprint, can be eligible for the class. Check the source link for further information. If you are eligible, you can file a claim by clicking this link.

source: Sprint