AT&T has finally implemented a consumer-friendly prorated early termination fee (ETF), Engadget reports, which enables new and renewing subscribers to have their $175 ETF drop by $5 for every month they stick with the carrier and pay the monthly bill.

That's not all that wonderful, because as the story points out, you'll still end up owing 60 bucks if you cancel with just one month remaining on your contract. But this is a step in the right direction, and lowers the sting if you're not satisfied with the coverage or media options and want to try a different carrier.

Now AT&T and Verizon both have these plans in effect; we're still waiting for T-Mobile and Sprint to follow through on their promises to do the same.