Telecom operator Tata Docomo launched a handset protection service called ‘SimplySwap’ for its postpay customers in Hyderabad. The service lets existing customers swap their current handset with a “like for like” handset for no reason whatsoever, by paying a small fee. A customer wanting to avail the service has to sign up within 7 days of buying a new handset at any TTRB store, by walking in with the original invoice, and having the handset examined. An eligible customer will then get a confirmation SMS, and can call 040-66066141 to request a swap for a new device of the same brand/model. The provided handsets will be either new or refurbished and will carry a warranty of six months, irrespective of how old the original device was. The company claims the handsets will be delivered within 48-72 hours. A customer will be eligible to swap phones twice a year and can also return a swapped phone within 7 days if he/she is not satisfied with it. The company claims it currently has a portfolio of over 500 handset types from 30 different brands to cater to customers at all price points, although it will also offer customers a choice of equivalent or slightly better phones in case their exact model is unavailable. The service will charge a monthly fee and a swap fee when swapping the phone, the amount which will depend on which of the 5 tiers the phone belongs to. The most basic tier will cost Rs 89 per…
