It was five years ago, but I politely talked to one of their service people, and discussed my desire for a Motorola RAZR V3i handset.
Eventually, they gave me a $200 credit to my account to go out and buy my own.
At the time, the handsets were $225 to 250, but I appreciated the offer.
And they didn't extend my contract.
I was up to speed on the V3i coming to Cingular (may the name rest in peace), and waited a few months.
Eventually, I picked up one at CompUSA (another dead soldier) for around $125, as I recall.
In the end, I made $75 on the deal, got my phone, and was one happy customer.
I had been with them, giving them no troubles for maybe 5 years at that time.
Could you expect similar kind service for yourself?
I haven't a clue, especially since they became AT&T.
I'm grandfathered into a sweet account from many years back, and really have had no need to talk to 'em for a long time!