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EE Mobile has today announced that all one million UK customers on their Flex Pay mobile contracts will, from today, benefit from the roll-out of Early Phone Swap. As the name suggests, this feature enables them to upgrade to any new or refurbished handset a year early “at no extra cost“.
For those who might have forgotten. The Flex Pay pay monthly plans are designed to split your mobile phone (handset) cost and your network (airtime) service into two separate contracts. You get an interest-free device loan (usually lasting 24 or 36 months) alongside a flexible airtime plan. But under the previous plan you had to pay off your existing Flex Pay agreements before being able to upgrade.
The change means that customers can quickly and easily switch to a better phone, without having to wait until the end of their contract. Unlike other providers, customers can use Early Phone Swap to choose any new phone that they fancy. Users simply need to pick the handset they want and send their old one back to EE in good working order. If the phone is worth more than the balance left to pay on their device plan, EE will credit the difference to their bank account.
“Buying a handset with EE means customers get much more than just a new device. Whether choosing a brand-new or refurbished phone, customers can spread the cost interest-free with a choice of flexible 12, 24, 36 or 48-month Flex Pay plans to suit their budget. Those opting for a refurbished device can also choose from EE’s newly launched ‘Very Good’ range, offering even more value without compromising on quality,” said the announcement.
The launch of Early Phone Swap also comes alongside the introduction of new 12 and 48 month Flex Pay contract lengths, giving customers additional options when choosing a plan that suits their budget.
Sharon Meadows, MD of Marketing & Commercial at EE, said:
“We know our customers want the very best devices and the freedom to get the phone they really want. Early Phone Swap puts that power firmly in their hands, letting them swap their old phone and get something new every year, on the UK’s best network and at no extra cost.”
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked screen, a phone that’s past its best or you simply want to get your hands on the latest and greatest handsets, Early Phone Swap makes the whole process simple and straightforward for our Flex Pay customers.”
Customers are considered eligible for Early Phone Swap if they bought their old phone from EE on a Device Credit Agreement with a 24-month airtime plan, but you must also have 12 months or less left on your current Device Credit Agreement (but not in the final month); and have made at least 12 device monthly payments. This feature is available both in-store and over the phone, but there’s no mention of online availability.
Every handset from EE also comes with an extended warranty for added peace of mind, while “expert support” is on hand if anything goes wrong, with repairs available from as little as 2 hours or fast access to specialist technicians.