T-Mobile's New 'Jump On Demand' Lease Program Allows Up to 3 Smartphone Upgrades Per Year

Based on the length of this thread and the confusion over the value of this deal, it seems to me to be very "carrier" of T-Mobile. What ever happened to buy the phone and pay for the service? Now that's "un-carrier"!

I wish AT&T would fire Ralph, and hire John.

I am on this plan in a state without sales tax so I'm paying the straight up $19 a month for the phone (6+) on each bill. I'm not sure if sales tax is spread out in each payment in states that do have it.

$19 a month as part of their "after trade in promo", correct? If so you've answered my question; it doesn't matter if your state has sales tax, it is not calculated into the monthly rate.

So could somebody tell me how this could actually be enforced? I mean, you give the old phone in -- but what if it's scratched, wouldn't you get fined for that? What about the original packaging? Would it have to be in pristine condition? Who would judge whether or not it's acceptable? What happens to the old phones?

Long Post!

I really think I have missed something, would somebody be patient enough to explain please? :)

I've been a JUMP customer since it came out the very first time. So far, I've exchanged 4 phones and never had a problem - this is how it usually works.

1. You sign up for the JUMP program - pick the phone you want - use it for 6 months (or till you pay half with the updated JUMP)
2. After the first 6 months, you walk into T-mobile - hand them the phone (don't need packaging or chargers etc, just the phone).
3. They will inspect it - scratches don't seem to bother them but if you have a cracked screen, you will have to pay $175 (for flagship phones) for the insurance claim.
4. After you hand in your old phone, they close out the remaining balance.
5. You pick a new phone, pay taxes upfront (~$60), sign a new contract for 24 mths and walk out with a new phone.
6. Repeat every 6 months (or one year if you are on the updated plan)

To answer your specific questions
But what if it's scratched, wouldn't you get fined for that?
- Scratches and minor dings don't seem to bother them. Cracked screens do.

What about the original packaging?
- Don't need it. Sell it on craigslist/swappa.

Would it have to be in pristine condition?
- Scratches and minor dings don't seem to bother them. Cracked screens do.

Who would judge whether or not it's acceptable?
- The person at the counter. I think they do a diagnostics later on, but I've never had a problem with my 4 JUMPs.

What happens to the old phones?
- No idea, they prob sell it through an ebay store or sell them as certified refurb etc to score customers.

Exactly. And you would want the insurance because if you crack it, you can simply replace it overnight.

They'll let you upgrade multiple times (3) in a 12 month period with little to no up front cost, that's different from the regular Jump plan where it was a mandatory half down.

Cool. I am sure T-Mobile will add more details closer to launch. I just hope that they do not repeat last year's iPhone 6 debacle.

I wish T-Mobile would simplify this program even further and offer automatic iPhone or Android (Galaxy or whatever strikes you fancy) upgrade plan. Just pay whatever necessary downpayment (if you want most costly model), $15/month, and get a new phone shipped to you automatically every year (with a convenient return box for older model).

Exactly. And you would want the insurance because if you crack it, you can simply replace it overnight.

Yeah, but the insurance still entails you to pay $175. Or you could take it to Apple and have the screen replaced for $79.

It's pretty good if you lose your phone though. Their claim process is pretty seamless and swift.