AT&T has introduced new upgrade eligibility program, AT&T Next, for the customers to buy new smartphone or tablet once in a year without activation, upgrade or financing fees.
The program helps the buyers to get a smartphone or tablet with no money down, making monthly payments equal to 1/20th of the retail cost of the device. Once the 12 payments get completed, they can trade the device in and upgrade to a new one with no other fees. Or, after 20 payments, they own the device outright.
Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility said, “With AT&T Next, customers can get the newest smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment. That’s hard to beat, and it’s an incredible value for customers who want the latest and greatest every year”.
The customers who purchase a 16 GB iPhone 5 will pay $32.50 per month for 12 months and can upgrade to the latest iPhone with the purchased one. They would pay $390 over that time, with the phone being bought back for the equivalent of $260. If the customer pays for 20 months, they can upgrade to a new phone and keep the old one.
As there is no fee for activation or upgradation, people can save $36 on activating a new line. With the needs of customers, the new system helps them to wait 24 months between for full subsidized upgrades.
The customers of AT&T who have secured unlimited data plans are completely qualified for participating in this program.
T-Mobile has announced about its similar upgradation plan recently for its development.