Sprint is debuting a new handset leasing program that is designed for mobile users who are looking to build their credit or those who currently are not capable of spending much money for a new premium smartphone device. The program is officially called Sprint Flex Deals, and it basically allows customers who have applied for and received credit with the major US wireless carrier to complete a down payment of $25 and then $5 each month for entry level handsets, or pay $30 down and then $10 per month for a more pricey handset from Sprint’s expansive catalog. Those who sign up fo the new leasing program are free to upgrade their handset after a year’s time, free of charge, or pay $5 per month in order to avail of a yearly upgrade option for any other new handset. Before, Sprint had only made the annual upgrade option available for Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy devices.
For customers who have completed 18 months, they will be given additional options. They can choose to return their device and upgrade to a new, pay off the handset by way of a single lump sum payment, or opt to buy the handset over an additional half dozen payments every month, with previous payments counting toward the purchase price. Moreover, those availing of the new leasing program can also continue to complete monthly payments and stick to the leasing arrangement.
Apart from Sprint Flex Deals, the fourth biggest wireless carrier in America also took the opportunity to introduce Sprint Forward Deals. This offering allows mobile users to build their credit with the mobile operator, and then become eligible for an upgrade to any new handset, free of charge, after completing a dozen straight monthly payments on time. With regards to the device upgrade, credit checks will not be needed.
This latest move from Sprint is seen by many as another effort to get new sign ups, even from the budget conscious segment of the market. The world of wireless has become as competitive as ever, with mobile operators here and there trying to one up each other, while at the same time, devising schemes to steal their rivals’ existing subscribers. For Sprint, it appears to be the more aggressive compared to other members of the Big Four when it comes to leasing programs. Having said that, such offerings do serve as a means for the carrier to minimize customer turnover.
