Independent app store GetJar announced GetJar Gold, a programme it says gives customers “free ongoing access to premium applications that they would have to pay for on other app stores.”

The company said it will pay its developers on a per-install basis, and will give them more exposure since free applications are downloaded 10 to 20 times more often than paid apps.

In a statement, Ilja Laurs (pictured), GetJar’s outspoken CEO, said “we regret that at this time we cannot extend our programme to iPhone users, as Apple runs a closed ecosystem that does not allow for competing app distributors like GetJar.”

The company has not stated its motivation for the programme, although presumably it is hoping to increase the number of users of its store, who can then be monetised in other ways. It said that “GetJar Gold works for everyone; consumers receive premium applications for free, developers are compensated, and advertisers enjoy the increased site traffic generated by the programme.”

GetJar said that it will offer customers “apps that cost up to US$10 on Android Market or Amazon App Store” free-of-charge. It said that new premium apps will be added every day and remain on the store – unlike the time-limited promotions available from Amazon.

The company will select apps from categories including games, entertainment, and productivity.