Isn't there a law in Ohio against being charge for a service that cannot be delivered?

Question

I had to cancel my phone and internet service because I moved to the other side of town. My old provider does not offer service in that area. Much to my surprise, I received a $200 cancellation charge (because there was one month left on my contract). According to customer service, if they offered phone service, but not internet, I would not be charged the cancellation fee; however since they don't offer either, I am liable for the cancellation fee. That makes no sense, since the end result is the same, they are not able to provide me with service. I know this is unethical, but can anyone tell me if it's legal in Ohio? (not to mention that customer service could have told me about this when I cancelled).

This is not for a cell phone service, it's for a land line and internet. the monthly charge was $12.99, but they claim that in order to get the special, I agreed online to the cancellation charge. I told them I would pay for the final month, but they would not budge.

Answer 1

Legal or not it's a BS charge. I ALWAYS give them a VERY hard time, eventually they "courtesy credit" me with the amount of the bill.

Answer 2

I'm not sure of the law, but they shouldn't be allowed to charge more than the monthly bill for the remaining month of the contract. $200.00 sounds quite high for that. It also sounds strange that cell phone service is available on on side of town but not the other. Is it possible they said you have to pay the cancellation fee because the DO offer cell phone service at your new address?