Three golden rules for getting an early mobile phone upgrade

The most common reason for upgrading your mobile phone before a contract expires is because a new and more exciting model has been released.

When Apple released the iPhone 4 in mid-2010, for example, many people wanted this latest version but were still locked into contracts with several months left to run.

This guide will give you the lowdown on ending your mobile contract and upgrading to a newer, more exciting model.

Galaxy S4(black) £0.00	500 min 5000 texts	£33.00
Galaxy S3(white) £0.00	500 min 5000 texts	£24.00

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Rule one: Speak to your mobile network

You must talk to your mobile network first to find out if specific terms and conditions of your monthly mobile phone deal will allow you to upgrade before the contract expires.

If you aren’t eligible for an upgrade, it’s time to explore other options, such as SIM-free.

SIM-free mobile phones work with any network - so your network provider will be none the wiser. SIM-free phones are notoriously expensive though, so it’s vital you compare SIM-free mobile phone prices before buying.

SellRecycling your old mobile phone is a good way of slashing the cost of a new SIM-free mobile phone, it’s worth noting.

Rule two: Read the terms and conditions

Every mobile phone operator has different terms and conditions regarding early upgrades. However, most allow it provided you pay the total cost of your remaining months in a single lump sum.

For example, if you signed onto a 24-month Vodafone (www.vodafone.co.uk) contract costing £30 each month and have four months remaining, the network may ask you to pay £120 before granting an early upgrade.

Orange (www.orange.co.uk) said it simply adds “days remaining onto the end of your new contract.” So the two months remaining on your existing Orange mobile phone contract could, for example, mean your new Orange deal lasts for 20 months.

Rule three: Remember, you’re an existing customer

How good are you at mobile phone contract negotiation?

When it comes to signing the new mobile phone deal, your negotiation skills could be the difference between paying an upfront fee for the phone (usually paid by new customers) and receiving a free mobile phone.

For example, let’s say you want to upgrade to the Nokia N8 on mobile phone contract costing £25 each month, and that the advertised upfront price of the phone is £50.

Now, because you’ve bought yourself out of your existing contract, you’re effectively contract free and by threatening to move to a rival network could secure your ideal phone for free.

You should also use the opportunity to negotiate more talk minutes, texts and mobile internet than your monthly deal includes. Don’t forget that as an existing customer you’re well within your rights to highlight what a loyal customer you’ve been in the past.

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