This is an open-ended question that may prompt a lot of
discussion, and I want to thank anyone who responds in advance.

    I've been with SPCS for nine years this June, and have renewed
my two-year contract three times, each time getting some small benefit
for that. I've followed the usual procedure of calling the
"cancellation" department, but I've always been very honest with them
and explained that I wasn't actually eager to cancel, but rather would
agree to a new two-year contract if they could offer some benefit, and
even if not, would "probably" continue to be a customer.

    Now it's about time for me to renew again, and although I'd
like to press them for some new phones and maybe something like a
Vision or text plan in recognition of my loyalty, I'm wondering if
it's actually a good idea to sign a binding contract this time around.

    It seems to me that '08 may be the year that the field opens
up with new third-party development initiatives, android, Verizon's
authorizing competitive handsets on their system, etc.

    I just don't know enough about the field in general to be able
to assess whether I'm better off contracting and possibly getting
something useful from Sprint in return, or remaining off-contract with
an eye to migrating to a new system a short way down the road.

    For the record, although I've had abysmal experiences with
Sprint CS, the system has always been quite solid for me and I have no
reason to migrate on that count.

    Thanks for any opinions.

    DGI