Active Military Can Suspend Cell Phone Service

by Heather McLaughlin

If you or a loved one has been called up to serve overseas, many wireless companies offer active military personnel the choice to temporarily suspend their cell phone service without going in default of their wireless contract.

The rules and stipulations of these suspension varies by wireless carrier, but here the stipulations for suspending cell phone service with some of the larger carriers.

T-Mobile- For Military Suspension, accounts can be suspended for up to 18 months. The suspension is free and there is no monthly fee. Contract extension is required equal to the suspend period. If the subscriber will not be in a T-Mobile service area or if they will be deployed longer than 18 months, they may want to cancel their service. In this case, the early termination fee would be waived.

AT&T- U.S. military members deployed to active duty can suspend their wireless service with AT&T for a penny per month, while retaining their wireless phone number, until they return from duty. This service can be used for up to 999 consecutive days. Military personnel interested in this program should call 1-800-331-0500 or visit their local AT&T retail store to enroll.

Verizon- Someone that is considered to be an “active member” of the military under the The Federal Service Members’ Civil Relief Act may terminate his/her wireless service with Verizon Wireless without paying an early termination fee (ETF) if he/she has been called to active military duty.

Sprint- Military personnel are able to temporarily suspend their account for 24 months and keep their phone number. Sprint Customer Service and Sprint Retail Stores can provision the plan and the temporary suspension. A military ID is required or a copy of written orders.