Free Mobile launches handset instalment plans

French operator Free Mobile started allowing customers to pay for handsets by instalments on 14 February. The phones currently available are the ZTE F160 (EUR 1 on order, then 12 instalments of EUR 4), the Huawei U8350 (EUR 1 on order, then 12 instalments of EUR 9.98 or 24 instalments of EUR 4.99), The ZTE Blade S (EUR 1 on order, then 12 instalments of EUR 11.98 or 24 instalments of EUR 5.99), the Samsung Galaxy Y (EUR 1 on order , then 12 instalments of EUR 11.98 or 24 instalments of EUR 5.99), the Blackberry Curve 3G (EUR 19 on order, then 12 instalments of EUR 15.98 or 24 instalments of EUR 7.99), and the Samsung Galaxy Ace (EUR 29 on order, then 12 instalments of EUR 15.98 or 24 instalments of EUR 7.99). The Saumsung Galaxy S2 sells for EUR 479 but cannot be paid for in instalments as Free Mobile's agreement with its financing partner, CA Consumer Finance, only covers devices costing up to EUR 199.99. The iPhone 4S is still not available.