I had a similar experience with the California PUC. Sprint raised the texting rate so I tried to cancel my plan. Their service rep wanted to charge me for break

I had a similar experience with the California PUC. Sprint raised the texting rate so I tried to cancel my plan. Their service rep wanted to charge me for breaking my contract but I pointed out that any material change to my contract is grounds for breaking the contract -- basically Sprint broke the contact first. The rep tried to offer me another plan that gives me a similar rate but would entail me signing onto the new plan. I argued that wasn't acceptable. He refused to budge and kept saying because he offered me another plan it's not material change, which is total BS. I finally called the California PUC. They routed my call to Sprint's Executive service line and 5 minutes later I was free from the contract and got to keep my phone. Without a body like the PUC the power is entirely in the hands of the big corporations. The cost (in time and/or money) for me to fight Sprint legally is going to be more than the contract was worth but it's still something. I'm sure that's all part of their calculus.