3. Learn about trial periods

If you sign a contract for cellphone services and there is a fee for cancelling it, the contract must give you a minimum 15-day trial period to test the phone. The trial period starts on the day you first get service to your cellphone. This is also called the “cooling-off period.”

During this time, you can cancel the contract at no cost. Your service provider also can't charge any additional fees if you cancel.

If you want to cancel the contract within the trial period, you must:

• use less than half of the limit for voice, text, and data set in your contract
• return any free or discounted phones or accessories to the service provider in near-new condition, including the original packaging

If you have a disability

If you have a disability, you have the right to a 30-day trial period to test the phone. During that time, you may use up to the limit for voice, text, and data set in your contract.