Worth renewing contract?

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

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David G. Imber <[email protected]> amazed us all with the following in
news[email protected]:

> 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
>
>

My two cents-

If you're looking for nothing but a discount at this time or are in love
with a particluar phone they have but can hold off, I'd stay out of
contract for a while. Android will be available through Sprint, and if
they are willing to offer a discount now, they will probably be just as
willing down the road. No need to tie yourself to a contract now if you
are truly looking to take advantage of around-the-corner technology.

You also mentioned Verizon opening up their network down the road- there
have been a number of articles in the last couple of weeks talking about it
and how it is not as "open" as most people would assume.