Lingo's $100 early termination fee, contract duration

Lingo users might want to review the latest terms and conditions for their VoIP service. The company recently sent out a letter to users indicating they will either have to stay longer or pay more if they leave early.

Initial contract length for Lingo's residential service was 12 months, and the contract included a $59.95 early disconnection fee.  DSLReports says users have received a Lingo email saying that, starting on Oct. 23, 2008, customers who cancel service within 24 months of activation now will be subject to a $99.95 cancellation fee per account.

Since Lingo's typical plans run from $21.95 to $34.95 per month, "ouch" comes to mind.

Increasing termination fees and contract duration may not be the best way to win friends and attract more business, given the soft economy and the cloud of bad tidings around early termination fees in the wireless and wireline arenas.  Qwest is being sued for its early termination fee on broadband services.

For more:
- DSLreports piece on Lingo doubling contract and termination fee.  Article [1].

Related articles
Qwest sued over broadband early-termination feeds - FierceTelecom [2]
FCC may cap early termination fees - FierceWireless [3]