T-Mobile gives a SCORE! to those who can't JUMP! [UPDATE]

T-Mobile seems to be really intent in giving its customers a fighting chance at the latest smartphones, even those who are normally ineligible for the carrier's programs. Last week, T-Mobile introduced "Smartphone Equality" for those whose credit ratings don't exactly meet the qualifications but have been paying their bills on time for 12 months in a row. Now T-Mobile is offering a new program called SCORE!, designed to let those ineligible for its JUMP! offer to also switch to a new device after 6 or 12 months.

Of course, the devices that will be offered in SCORE! won't be as high-end as those on the JUMP! catalog. In fact, after 6 months under SCORE!, members will only have entry-level phones to choose from. Currently, only the ALCATEL OneTouch Evolve 2 is in that list. If members opt to wait for 12 months instead, they can choose from a roster of better devices, not for free but with discounted prices. These include the ALCATEL OneTouch Fierce 2, The Nexus 6 32 GB, the LG Optimus L90, the T-Mobile Concord II, the Samsung Galaxy S5, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

So who qualifies for this offer? Basically any T-Mobile customer who isn't under a Postpaid plan with EIP (Equipment Installment Plan). This includes Prepaid customers, Postpaid types without EIPs, BYOD subscribers, and those who bought their devices at full price. Of course, there's a monthly fee of $5 to be paid, but that is considerably lower than the $10 per month for JUMP!

This is definitely an enticing offer from a carrier that is quite set on its "Un-carrier" ways, trying to embrace those that other carriers would normally exclude from their deals. Whether its industry rivals will be able to follow suit is something we have to see in the days ahead.

[UPDATE] Here are a few clarifications on SCORE! straight from T-Mobile:

1. SCORE! isn't a replacement for JUMP! and is a completely independent program that aims to lower overall phone costs. JUMP! remains a great upgrade experience that lets you upgrade your phone after paying off 50 percent of your phone cost.

2. All T-Mobile handsets will be available to SCORE! members at discounted prices, but only after 12 months. The free phone option is offered after 6 months in the program.

3. SCORE! is available to all, which also includes business customers and even "prepaid and postpaid customers who choose to finance their phone through the Un-carrier's Easy Installment Plan (EIP)."

SOURCE: T-Mobile