Everyone hates ETFs. The use of Early Termination Fees is something of a necessary evil. They give wireless carriers a somewhat reliable assurance of customer loyalty, allowing the carrier to keep wireless rates relatively low. On the other hand, there's nothing worse (for the consumer) than having to wait out the last few months of your contract in fear of having to shell out many hard days' pay in exchange for freedom from your network operator.

Well, it looks like at least one wireless provider has come up with an enticing scheme to turn the dreaded ETF into a clever marketing campaign. Regional carrier Cellular South has announced that they'll pay any potential customers' Early Termination Fees incurred from canceling their wireless contract and hopping over to Cellular South's service. The carrier is offering to reimburse newly defected customers up to $200 in credit to help ease the pain of switching carriers mid-contract. New Cellular South subscribers need only send in their final wireless bill from their previous carrier in order to receive an ETF-credit.

So, if Cellular South is available in your area, and you've had it with your current wireless carrier, you may want to give Cellular South a run for its money. Just make sure to look before you leap. You'll be facing an ETF from Cellular South if you want out of your contract before its term.

More info at Cellular South's website.

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