Phones4U launches free mobile upgrades every six months The new "Jump" tariff splits the handset and the network cost for mobile phone ownership. Separate, rolling two-year contracts can be renewed every six months, meaning that users can upgrade their devices more often without paying high deposits up front. Current tariffs have increasingly been offered for two years and penalized customers for upgrading more often. Retailers such as Tesco have however focused on shorter, one-year contracts. Ernest Doku, independent technology expert at comparison site uSwitch.com, said that "The Jump tariff offers a new level of flexibility. Switching handsets mid-contract without fear of incurring penalties or any up-front fees will be welcomed by smartphone fans who want to own the best handsets as soon as they launch, but they will have to pay a premium for the privilege. Phones4u says Jump tariffs will carry a premium of up to £3.99 per month. The idea has been trialed in 100 stores and will be rolled-out nationally by May. Users will be able to trade in up to three handsets each time they upgrade, and their existing device will be worth a minimum value of £100. Data back-up and storage for contacts, music, pictures and vide will also be offered to help the transition process. Phones4U said a typical two-year tariff on Jump might cost £37.99, divided between a £15 network charge and a £22.99 phone agreement. If a phone were traded in after six-months, at a new value of £175, then £240 would remain on the 18 months Jump tariff. On a new two-year tariff, this would equal an extra £10 per month, on top of what is effectively a brand new tariff. Alistair Firth, Director of Customer Development at Phones 4u said: "Technology is moving fast and innovative handsets are launching all the time on the market but to date there's been a disconnect between the frequency of smartphone releases and the length of mobile phone contracts on offer."