I would prefer to send them written notice about resignation rather than a call where they try and talk you out of it. I do the same with credit cards because you always get put through to the "please stay with us, keep your card, just don't use it" people who I don't wish to argue with.

>You actually have to snail-mail them your resignation letter

So? You have to send written notice to cancel any contract in Germany. This is totally standard.

Just because it's common doesn't mean it's acceptable. There's no reason why signing up should be easier than canceling. It's just a trick to be able to charge the customer one last time.

Snail-mailing a letter to O2 is likely easier than the cancellation process for Comcast...

Pretty standard. Try to find a "cancel my service" link anywhere on the Verizon or Comcast website. You have to call them, at minimum, and then as soon as your intentions are clear you will be transitioned to a "retention specialist" who will waste your time trying to talk you into keeping the service.