Rogers, one of Canada's big three carriers, is now joining it's U.S. counterparts in offering an early upgrade program — a Next of their very own. Kicked off by T-Mobile's desire to disrupt the industry, early upgrades let people get new phones faster, but often with a huge catch — extra cost. So is Roger's Next any different?
The problem with most of these programs is that they essentially double dip by asking for a "leasing" fee on top of the existing "subsidy" already included in the monthly plan. Since you have to give back your current phone to get a new phone, and since the iPhone in particular has traditionally kept a really high resale value, it's really important to run the math not once but twice to make sure you're actually getting a deal and not just getting taken for a ride.
We're going to grab our calculators, check the numbers, and post a follow up asap. In the meantime, check out the press release below and let me know — does Rogers' new Next program interest you at all?
Rogers customers to get the latest smartphones even faster with Rogers Next
Canada NewsWire TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2014 Customers on two-year agreements can upgrade to a new smartphone every 12 months for $0 down with no early upgrade or connection fees
TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Rogers customers can get the newest smartphones even faster with Rogers Next™, an early upgrade program that will give subscribers the freedom to get a new premium device every 12 months for $0 down, with no early upgrade or connection fees.
"Our customers love experiencing the latest technology. They have an insatiable appetite for staying connected, entertained and accessing their favourite apps - all on their mobile devices," said John Boynton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Rogers Communications. "Rogers Next ensures early adopters never miss what's next by putting the hottest smartphones in their hands sooner."
Here's how it works:
- When you upgrade to a new device or join Rogers as a new customer, you have the option to subscribe to the Rogers Next program for a monthly fee of $24.99 or get the program with Rogers Device Protection Premium included for $29.99 - a device support service which retails for up to $11.99 per month;
- After 12 months, trade in your current device in good working order for a new smartphone of your choice that has a subsidized price of up to$250;
- You pay $0 down for the new device on a new two-year term, and your remaining FLEXtab™ balance and connection fees are waived;
- You then have the option to continue your enrollment in Rogers Next to get another new device in 12 months for $0.
At the time of upgrade, customers can choose from the largest selection of LTE-enabled devices including next generation Android™, Apple, BlackBerry® and Windows smartphones, all powered by Rogers LTE, Canada's fastest LTE network. Rogers Device Protection Premium is recommended for protection against loss, theft and damage, and provides added peace of mind when you upgrade with Rogers Next1.
Rogers Next will be available soon for existing and new customers. This early upgrade program is a part of Rogers Freedom Advantage, which offers customers data sharing, price match and free plan changes within tier. Additionally, customers enrolled in the Rogers First Rewards™ loyalty program earn points with Rogers Next, which can be redeemed for Rogers products and services including more wireless data, even larger discounts against device upgrades, and more.
