ISP claiming 1-year contract I didn't sign onto

[wasabiKev]

Washington State:
I wish to discontinue service with an ISP (Internet Service Provider). However, when I called the ISP to discontinue the service they informed me I was withdrawing from a 1-year contract, and that by withdrawing prematurely, I would be subject to $250 dollar fee. They informed me that this is clearly stated on thier website under the "terms of agreement" (which it is). However, at no time during the hookup of the service was I verbally informed of a 1-year obligation, nor did I sign any paperwork to the same effect. I wish to know if this "contract" is legally binding. Can a 1st party lock a 2nd party into a contract simply by saying that "the agreement is on our website, and you should have read it more carefully."?
Thank you for any help,
Kevin

 

[loku]

Internet contract

If they set up their site the way most others do, then you had to agree to the terms of the contract by clicking on the appropriate button. If that is the case, and if the fee was clearly stated under the “terms of agreement,” then you are bound to the contract. A contract agreed to over the Internet is as binding as if you signed a paper.