I HATE VERIZON

Are you frustrated with your cell phone service? If so, you are not alone. A recent survey by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group says that half of all cell phone users would consider switching service if they didn't have to pay a penalty. So what can you do if you want out of your cell phone contract? Dropped calls. Bad Service. Surprise Monthly Bills. Cell Phone Frustration. So why not switch carriers? Because it may cost you. The "penalty" for switching cell phone companies can be $200, even if your phone is broken or can't find a signal. A recent survey found that half of all cell phone users would consider switching their service immediately if they didn't have to pay a penalty. What can you do if you want out of your cell phone contract? Some providers will release customers if their signals are bad. But it's not easy. You have to be persistent and it pays if you ask nicely. Recently some third-party websites have emerged to help consumers swap phones and transfer their contracts to other others - but this is a new trend and it's still unproven. So the best advice: when your current contract ends, choose wisely. You don't have to sign a long-term deal. Consider pre-paid phones, or pay a little extra for a shorter contract.At a time when technology change is so rapid and cool new phones appear every few months, it really pays to be a cell phone free agent.