Sprint starts trial program called "Upgrade Now" for current customers

It happens to everyone. You just bought a brand new smartphone with the latest and greatest specs and a week later, the same manufacturer has a new model with a faster processor, a bigger screen or a longer lasting battery. And there you are with the older model, thinking that you would give just about anything for another upgrade but knowing in your heart it is going to be another two years until you upgrade to a new model. That is, unless you are part of a trial that Sprint is conducting at certain of its locations.

Sprint's "Upgrade Now" promotion allows Sprint customers to buy that new smartphone that they have been jonsing for at a price lower than the non-contract cost, but higher than the heavily discounted subsidized price for new customers. In an email, Sprint Communications Manager wrote, "Sprint continues to be committed to earning our customers loyalty. The offer is intended to help give customers who are on contract but may need (or want) a new phone another option. This is not a nationwide program. It is a trial program in select markets."

The executive did not mention which of its locations are testing out the promotion, or say if it will be expanded into other markets. As far as how much the price of a new smartphone will be under the program, it will depend on the particular device being purchased and how much time is left on the customer's 2-year contract.

For those who like to have must have the latest and greatest smartphone in their pocket, this trial plan by Sprint could be an interesting promotion and it just might bring some new business to the nation's third largest carrier.

source: Sprint