So I have been on AT&T since 2009, and I've had their unlimited data plan since then. Unfortunately they throttle unlimited users after 5GB of data usage, and don't allow you to even tether officially with your phone. So for the past couple weeks or so I was looking into switching over to Verizon on the condition that I could acquire one of their unlimited data plans, which of course are not throttled on their LTE network, and includes the option for unlimited LTE tethering. Unlimited verizon data plans are sold on eBay and other websites for $150-$400, where you completely take over that line's contract. I was lucky enough to find a friend who was getting rid of their verizon service who just happened to have unlimited data so I bought it from him instead of some shady eBay seller. Please keep in mind if you're looking into this that this process is via AOL (assumption of liability) and can only be done over the AOL phone department. Stores can no longer transfer unlimited data features when transferring ownership of lines.
Now, all three of the phone lines that were still with AT&T were only 8 months into their contracts, so the ETF was going to approach at least $1,000. And that really wasn't something I was looking forward to pay. So I emailed the CEO's email address with a complaint about their recently introduced a new administrative fee for $0.61 per month, and complaining about that fee and how I only chose at&t because they didn't have these stupid fees at the time, I got an email response with contact information for their "Customer Appeals Manager, Executive Response". I finally got ahold of the chick behind the email, and I didn't even have to do any explaining beyond what was said in my original email. She said she had "spoken to the legal department" and wen't ahead and waived all three ETFs on my account.
I assume anyone would be able to get out of the ETFs if you use this method, but I'm going to assume that you only have a limited amount of time to do this before the fees have been around long enough that they won't take it as an excuse to get out of your ETF.
So if you're wanting to ditch AT&T while still in contract, you have a pretty good chance to leave without paying any of the ETFs if you act fast.
Now, all three of the phone lines that were still with AT&T were only 8 months into their contracts, so the ETF was going to approach at least $1,000. And that really wasn't something I was looking forward to pay. So I emailed the CEO's email address with a complaint about their recently introduced a new administrative fee for $0.61 per month, and complaining about that fee and how I only chose at&t because they didn't have these stupid fees at the time, I got an email response with contact information for their "Customer Appeals Manager, Executive Response". I finally got ahold of the chick behind the email, and I didn't even have to do any explaining beyond what was said in my original email. She said she had "spoken to the legal department" and wen't ahead and waived all three ETFs on my account.
I assume anyone would be able to get out of the ETFs if you use this method, but I'm going to assume that you only have a limited amount of time to do this before the fees have been around long enough that they won't take it as an excuse to get out of your ETF.
So if you're wanting to ditch AT&T while still in contract, you have a pretty good chance to leave without paying any of the ETFs if you act fast.
allowed you to break the contracts you agreed to over that .61¢ fee. Those pesky contracts ... 
