Verizon Wireless contract & termination fee Ripoff Atlanta Georgia

Last year I check to see when my contract ended with Verizon Wireless and was told this April 2005. But I was having trouble with my old phone so they convinced me I should upgrade. I choose the cheapest phone. Now when I canceled my service I am told I need to pay early termination fee of $175. By getting that phone, my contract was extended. I cannot afford to pay for the phone and service even though I have had service with Verizon Wireless for about 5 years. I waited till this month to cancel to avoid paying this fee and now I am going to get stuck with this anyway. This is not fair. They have gotten enough of my money.

Linda
St. Petersburg, Florida
U.S.A.