Mobile phone retailer Phones4U have launched a new tariff called ‘Just Upgrade My Phone’, which allows customers to trade in their handset every six months.
The new, first-of-its-kind ‘Jump’ tariff splits the handset and the network cost for mobile phone ownership. Separate, two-year rolling contracts can be renewed every six months, meaning that users can upgrade their devices more often without paying high amounts up front.
Users will also be able to trade in up to three handsets each time they upgrade, and their existing device will be worth a minimum value of £100. Data back-up and storage for contacts and media files will also be offered to help the transition process.
The Jump contract plan has been trialled in 100 stores and will be rolled-out nationally by May. The additional monthly cost of the tariff (premium) will start from £2.99 per month.
Alistair Firth, Director of Customer Development at Phones 4u, said: “Technology is moving fast and innovative handsets are launching all the time on the market but to date there’s been a disconnect between the frequency of smartphone releases and the length of mobile phone contracts on offer.”
“We want to give our customers the freedom to own the very latest smartphones like the iPhone 4S without having to wait 18 to 24 months for an upgrade.”
Ernest Doku, independent technology expert at comparison site uSwitch.com, said that “The Jump tariff offers a new level of flexibility in terms of switching handsets mid-contract without fear of incurring penalties or any up front fees, but consumers will be paying a bit of a premium for the privilege.”
