U Mobile today reached several milestones in a single swoop. Firstly, it has broken the norm of the industry by offering the Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus for the first time — traditionally offered only by the “Big Three.” Next, it has introduced U MicroCredit — the first-ever device financing program offered by a telco. Finally, it’s first to offer true contract freedom for its postpaid customers where customers are allowed to opt out of their contracts if they change their minds, without any penalty imposed. Let’s also not forget that you’ll be buying the iPhone at its old price (Apple recently raised prices due to currency fluctuations). Intrigued? Read on.
Need I say more about the Apple iPhone 6? One of the most popular and in-demand smartphones in the world, and officially the #1 selling last quarter, globally. Despite increasing competition in the smartphone segment and heavy cost-cutting by competing brands, Apple has been steadfast and remained premium in its positioning and pricing. The rise of brands like Xiaomi and the onslaught cheap and cheerful China brands hasn’t quite shaken the fruity brand off its pedestal, and it has often time declared, “we’re not in the junk market.”
Having said that, it does mean that the in-demand iPhone is out of reach for many. Imagine consumers with lower income, or without a credit card. Well, guess what, now you can. U Mobile has taken up the challenge and now offering the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus at unbelievable prices. To go with the dynamic duo, U Mobile has also introduced new iPlans that cater to casual users up to users needing bigger data quota.
U MicroCredit: Now everyone can own an iPhone
Micro loans and consumer financing isn’t entirely new. If you remember days of Singer or Courts Mammoth, financing in terms of installments, and usually without a deposit, was common. It enabled consumers to afford things that were usually out of their reach normally. Or it could improve household monthly cash flow for some, depending on which side of the coin you looked at.
[pullquote align=”right”]”Walk away with an iPhone 6 starting from RM98, with flexible repayment of up to 33 months. Interest rates start from 0.84% to 1.5% per month.”[/pullquote]With big risk, comes big opportunity. Seeing opportunity, U Mobile has partnered Berjaya Credit to introduce the unique, industry-first device financing program — U MicroCredit (UMC). I published a leaked document that details the program but read more here, too. UMC allows you to take home a spanking new iPhone 6 starting from just RM98.
UMC is unique because while it’s like a micro loan, you neither need a credit card, collateral or upfront payment upon registration. All you need to do is head over to a U Mobile store or apply online at u.com.my/umicrocredit. Pick an iPlan to accompany the phone of your choice then choose a comfortable monthly repayment scheme.
Within two hours, you’ll know if your application was successful. You can walk away with an iPhone 6 starting from RM98, with flexible repayment of up to 33 months. Interest rates start from 0.84% to 1.5% per month.
The killer breakthrough? The flexi-plan is available for both postpaid and prepaid subscribers!
New phone, old price
It’s important to know that U Mobile will be offering the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices at Apple’s old prices. As you may be aware, Apple had recently increased prices of its devices by as high as RM200, presumably due to the weakened ringgit. So enjoy old prices until 31 March 2015, or whilst stocks last.
First-ever iPhone 6 pre-paid plans
U Mobile has a penchant of doing things a little differently. In January this year, it broke the mould when it launched new Prepaid and Postpaid plans that offers the same best rates. And now for the first time ever, U Mobile is offering prepaid customers the same iPlans for the iPhone 6, as it does for postpaid.
Prepaid users get the same subsidised phone price and U MicroCredit benefits. The lowest point of entry is i40, and iPlans let you save up to 40% comparing to purchasing an iPhone 6 off the shelf at full retail price, and signing up for an existing data plan in the market.
Ultimate Postpaid freedom
It is the accepted industry norm that flagship devices are bundled with a postpaid data plan with a contract of 12 to 24 months. You’re required to pay a high penalty fee for early termination. Also, upfront payment is often required on purchase, and no upfront payment offers usually apply to existing long tenure customers or very high per month value plans.
Well, here’s where it’s groundbreaking again. If you purchase an iPhone with a credit card with auto-debit for your monthly fees, you can enjoy no upfront payment as well as contract freedom.
What’s contract freedom? It simply means if you change your mind about U Mobile and opt for early termination, you can. There’s no high penalty incurred. All you need to pay is the pro-rated subsidised phone price.
Additionally, the U Mobile Postpaid Plan comes with Internet, calls and SMS sharing features that allows you flexibility to pass allowances and quota to multiple devices across multiple SIMs. So share with your family or friends.
Free true unlimited high-speed internet promo
The words “free” and “unlimited” put together in a sentence is rather enticing. So, beginning 19 March, customers who sign up before 30 June 2015 with i60 and i90 plans will enjoy unlimited internet until 31 July 2015. There’s absolutely no limit on speed, data quota and certainly no additional charges.
On the other hand, customers who sign up for i130 will enjoy the promo until 30 September 2015.
Upon expiry of the promo, iPlan subscribers will still enjoy high-speed 3G and 4G connectivity, with fair usage policy applied of course.
Availability
U Mobile’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices and plans will be available at all U Mobile stores starting 19 March 2015.
Initial thoughts
If you’ve been considering the iPhone 6 before this (or now), then this may be the best time to buy. If you scrutinise the devices, you’ll realise they’re even cheaper than when you buy them off the shelf from Apple or an authorised Apple reseller. This is of course thanks to U Mobile sticking to old prices. Also, I find the plans attractive — both prepaid and postpaid.
IMHO, a groundbreaking day for U Mobile and I see the iPhone doing well here.
