Vodafone 4G Promise Lets Customers Upgrade Early

Vodafone has gone on the offensive to convince customers to wait until it launches its own 4G network rather than join the EE service which launches next week.

In addition to a multi-million pound marketing offensive, it has also launched the Vodafone 4G promise, which will let its pay monthly and small business customers upgrade early – if they pay 30 percent of the charges remaining on their existing contract.

Those interested can trade their existing phone and contract for a new Vodafone 4G contract and compatible device as soon as the network has launched.

Vodafone 4G promise

The offer extends until 31 December 2013 but only applies to a limited selection of handsets. At the moment, only the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II are eligible over Vodafone, and they must be in working condition if you want to avoid additional charges.

The devices must have been bought between 12 September 2012 and 31 March 2013 to be eligible, except for the Galaxy S III, which must have been bought on or after the 26 October. The 4G contract must be equivalent or of greater value to the previous contract, but those who are on a price plan where allowances are shared between users cannot take advantage of the deal.

The operator has taken cover-wrap adverts in a number of national newspapers, including The Guardian and Metro, in what appears to be a thinly-veiled suggestion that EE’s 4G network will not work well indoors. In the advertisements, Vodafone mentions its early upgrade guarantee as well as the fact that it is committed to bringing 98 percent indoor coverage by 2015.

Successful peace talks between Ofcom and the major operators have enabled the rollout of 4G services by all networks to be brought forward five months. EE is launching its 4G service next week.

The UK’s first commercial 4G service will be available in ten cities – London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow – with a further six coming online ahead of Christmas.

Earlier this week, EE revealed its price plans for the new service, but many have been dismayed at the cost of the plans and the lack of unlimited bundles. A recent TechWeekEurope poll showed that three quarters of readers were interested in a 4G network, but that price was the biggest issue.

How much do you know about smartphones? Take our quiz!