LG Wireless Phone

Are wireless cell phone services supposed to upgrade your phone for free?

If you have a wireless service provider, like Cingular, are they supposed to upgrade your phone for you? I still have a nokia from like 3 years ago.

Public Comments

1. You can always ask. With the competition as it is they prefer to upgrade rather than losing a customer.
2. Most cellular providers will offer you the new "free phone" or a great discount on your purchase of a higher-end phone, only when your standard 2-year contract is up and they want you to re-sign. It is company policy for most, but they certainly are not obligated to give you a new phone or even to offer, so perhaps you should ask a sales associate next time you get a chance.
3. Most cell companies do offer a free upgrade or a credit towards a new phone. I'm with Verizon, and they have the "New Every 2" plan, where you can get a new phone every 20 months free up to $100, or you get $100 credit on a phone that is over $100. You can always ask someone at Cingular in one of their stores, or at the Customer Care phone number to see if you are eligible for any rebates, free phone, or whatever. More companies are starting to offer plans like this to keep up with the competition. No company is required to do this, but many will do things like that to make sure you stay with them, rather than changing carriers just to get a newer phone cheaper and/or free.