I currently have old sprint phone that I would like to replace with
the new scp-5150. I am 6 months into the plan and sprint says I must
buy the phone for $299. I am sure there are ways to go around and get
the phone for free (I heard others did it). Please let me know what
exactly I need to do to acomplish this.

Usually most phone companies will allow discounted upgrades at some
time interval for some if not all of their customers. Some companies
qualify the user based on how much they use the phone, and all that I
have seen also base it on how long you have been a customer. I have
been a Sprint customer in the past and found their policies very fair
and evenly applied. The phones really do cost Sprint somewhere around
$200 - $300 for that model and they sell them discounted with new
service to attract customers. Then after a period they will allow you
to upgrade to keep you as a customer. Ask them when this will be for
you. That is the real reason why I suspect they wont sell you another
discounted piece. Maybe they will allow around 12 months or so I bet.
It would be foolish for them to sell discounted equipment whenever the
customer felt like it. They probably have not even been compensated
for that first phone in their eyes. Good Luck

I used to work for Sprint PCS for about 6 months before I found out
how crooked they are..but thats besides the point..the ONLY way to get
a FREE phone is sign up for a "National Account" You have to pick a
large company (they dont verify the information) like IBM (gets the
best deals like 15% off ALL accessories) and you have to accually sign
a contract and fax it back to them. if you sign a 1 year you get $50
off phone 2 years $100 and 3 years is $150 off phone thats the only
way to get a discount off a phone and it has to be done of the phone
Sprint Stores dont tell you about this they only way to find out about
this program is work for a company if you do sign up for the National
Account you get a discount off you plan as well like if you choose IBM
you get 25% off you monthly rate..kinda kewl huh.   Hope that answers
the question..

Not much chance of getting that phone at much of a discount - it's one
of the newest and most desired phones out there.  I did get my
SCP-6035 for $70 with a combination of rebates.

I'd suggest calling customer care at *2 and asking them what can be
done.  Since you have a contract, I don't know if you'll be eligible
for any 'new line' rebates.

You can save some money by going to Radio Shack or Circuit City and
looking for in-store rebates.

Also, later this year Sprint PCS is supposed to be releasing some new
network that will require new phones to take full advantage of it. 
I'd bet by late fall, there will be a lot of rebates and discounts on
the older phones.

Good luck!

There is a real easy way to get a new phone from Sprint, and a great
plan while you are at it.  Call Customer Service and when you finally
get to talk to a person, or sometime it works with Claire, ask for the
Retention Department.  Next you must complain about your service and
threaten to quit.  Often they will then pull out the option of a
special not advertised plan and the option for a new phone.  worked
for me and at least 10-20 of my friends.  Good Luck.