The initiative is in line with the company’s focus on sustainability and follows in the steps taken by Vodafone globally to reduce waste and prolong products’ lifecycle,
according to a statement.

Between April and October, Vodafone has refurbished a total of 137,713 handsets across 16 markets, including Qatar.

The initiative kick-started in June, shortly after the launch of Vodafone 4G in Doha, and allowed customers to exchange their old handsets with a 4G-enabled smartphone to enjoy
Vodafone 4G.

Old handsets were then refurbished by HYLA Mobile, which also ensured 100% data security for customers by professionally wiping the phones before refurbishing or
reselling.

To run this initiative, Vodafone partnered with HYLA Mobile, formerly known as eRecycling Corps, one of the world’s leading providers of products and services that capture, extend and optimise the life and value of used
mobile phones.

The trade-in scheme is a permanent offer from Vodafone through which any customer can trade in their phone at any Vodafone store in Qatar. Customers can check the value of their phone prior to the trade-in via http://www.vodafone.qa/en/smartphones/special-deals/tradein

Dana Haidan, head of CSR and sustainability at Vodafone Qatar, said: “At Vodafone, we aim to reduce the environmental impacts of our products and services, empowering our customers to make more sustainable choices. For many years, we have encouraged customers to return their unwanted handsets and accessories to Vodafone for reuse, where possible, and for recycling... through the new trade-in scheme, we offer both consumers and business customers an attractive incentive to return used phones and tablets, which is store credit.”

“We’re very happy to be partnering with Vodafone in Qatar to deliver such an initiative, which has considerable economic, environmental and social benefits to the community it serves. At HYLA Mobile, we are transforming the wireless ecosystem by helping consumers realise and take advantage of the residual value of their used devices and are providing a reliable and responsible way of collecting, processing and distributing used mobile phones,” HYLA Mobile said.