Are there any fees for canceling AT&T Fiber service?

What Really Happens If You Cancel AT&T Fiber Early?

Here’s the short answer: For most current AT&T Fiber plans, especially if you signed up after 2019, there are no early termination fees (ETFs). That’s right—no penalties for pulling the plug ahead of schedule. But, like any big company, the devil’s in the details. Are there exceptions? What if you got a promotional deal? Is it really that easy? Let’s dig in.

How I Found Out: The Not-So-Smooth Road to Canceling

A few months ago, I was helping my cousin move across town. She’d signed up for AT&T Fiber in 2022, lured by that “no contract, no strings attached” promise all over their ads (see official page). But when it came time to cancel, she was worried about hidden fees. I decided to walk her through the process, documenting every step—and, yes, I even managed to get an AT&T rep to confirm a few things on chat (screenshots below).

Step-by-Step: Canceling Without Getting Burned

First, let’s clarify the basics. Since around 2019, AT&T Fiber has been marketed as a no-annual-contract service—meaning you pay month-to-month, and can leave anytime. But here’s how to make sure you don’t get surprised:

1. Check Your Plan and Agreement
   Log into your AT&T account dashboard and review your “Service Agreement” (find this under ‘My Plans’ > ‘Internet’ > ‘View Details’). Look for any reference to “term commitment” or “early termination fee.” If you only see monthly charges and no reference to a contract, you’re in the clear.
2. Contact Customer Support (For Confirmation)
   Use the chat feature or call 800.288.2020. Here’s a portion from our actual chat transcript:
   Me: “If we cancel today, will there be any penalty?”
   AT&T Rep: “As long as you’re on a current Fiber internet plan, there’s no early termination fee. Just return any equipment.”
3. Return Equipment Promptly
   This is where things can get tricky. You need to send back your AT&T gateway (modem/router combo) within 21 days, or they’ll charge you an “unreturned equipment fee”—currently $150 per device, according to their official support doc.
   Screenshot: AT&T support page outlining return requirements.
4. Confirm Final Billing
   AT&T bills in advance, so you won’t get a refund for unused days in your billing cycle. Example: Cancel on June 15th, but your cycle ends June 20th? You’re still paying through the 20th. (Source: AT&T Billing FAQ)

But What About Promotional Offers or Bundles?

Here’s where things can get slippery. If you signed up for a bundle (say, Fiber plus TV or phone), or got a huge gift card for signing up, there might be clawback clauses. These are rare for internet-only plans, but always check the fine print if you used a promo code, especially from third-party resellers.

Expert View: How AT&T’s Cancellation Policy Stacks Up (And Why “No Fee” Isn’t Always the Norm)

According to a 2023 Consumer Reports survey, most U.S. ISPs still lock you into contracts—with ETFs ranging from $120 to $360. AT&T Fiber is among the few big providers (alongside Google Fiber) that’s dropped these penalties entirely. For comparison, Spectrum and Verizon Fios also offer no-contract plans, but some regional ISPs still sneak in 1-year terms.

Industry insider quote: “We saw a wave of customer backlash after the 2018 FCC transparency rules kicked in. Companies realized the PR cost of ETFs wasn’t worth it,” says telecom analyst Jamie Wu. “Still, always check your paperwork—some legacy deals are exceptions.”

International Angle: “Verified Trade” Standards Analogy

To put it in perspective, think of AT&T’s “no contract” promise like a country’s trade certification. Some countries have super strict rules (like old-school ISPs with ETFs), while others are more flexible. Here’s a quick table comparing how “verified trade” (or contract-free service) standards differ internationally:

Country/Region	Standard Name	Legal Basis	Enforcement Body
USA	FCC No-Contract Guidelines	47 CFR § 8.1 (Open Internet Order)	Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
EU	European Electronic Communications Code	Directive (EU) 2018/1972	Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC)
Japan	Telecommunications Business Act	Act No. 86 of 1984 (amended)	Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)
Canada	CRTC Wireless Code	Broadcasting and Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2013-271	Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Notice how the U.S. and EU have both pushed for more flexibility—forcing ISPs to be transparent (and less punitive) with cancellation policies. AT&T’s “no ETF” for Fiber is a product of this regulatory shift.

Case Study: When “No Fee” Isn’t Absolute

Let’s talk about John in Austin, Texas. He signed up for AT&T Fiber in 2018 (before the big “no contract” rebrand). When he called to cancel in 2021, he was hit with a $120 early termination fee—because his plan was technically a 24-month promo. After escalation, AT&T waived half the fee “as a courtesy,” but only after he cited FCC transparency rules. Moral: If your plan started before 2019, double-check your paperwork.

Personal Reflection: Don’t Forget the “Hidden” Fees

Here’s where I tripped up: After helping my cousin cancel, we forgot to return the gateway. AT&T sent a prepaid label, but it sat in her car for weeks. Result? A $150 charge hit her account, which we only got reversed after sending in the equipment and calling support (twice). Lesson learned: No ETF, but the equipment fee is very real—and not always spelled out in your cancellation confirmation email.

Conclusion: No Early Termination Fees (But Watch for Equipment Charges and Promo Clawbacks)

So, bottom line: For most modern AT&T Fiber plans, you can cancel anytime without an early termination penalty. Just remember:

• Double-check your plan type and agreement date (anything before 2019 may be different)
• Return all equipment quickly to avoid hefty fees
• Don’t assume a “no fee” promise covers gift card or bundle promotions—read the fine print
• If you’re unsure, chat with support and save the transcript for your records

As always, policies can evolve. You can verify the latest terms at AT&T’s official site (https://www.att.com/internet/fiber/) or by checking the FTC’s consumer internet guides.
Next step? If you’re thinking of canceling, log into your account, check your plan, then call or chat to confirm your specific terms—and don’t let that equipment fee sneak up on you!