[tx_dbs_tx]

Actually a person wanting to switch carriers will want to port their number(s) before cancelling their contract in order to not have to go without phone service. Then as soon as their new account is set up and active, they would then need to cancel their exhisting contract and be responsible for the remaining contract on however many lines are in contract. Some carriers will pro-rate the early termination fees and charge the customer the difference. The early termination fees applies to anyone who is currently still in contract reguardless even if they pay all of their current charges or not.