I've had reasonably decent reception most of the time, but do get rather random roaming status, for no apparent reason (same location where it's usually not in roam). My current phone is older, though, so that might have something to do with it. My major complaint with Sprint coverage is that service drops completely-- not even roaming-- just south of Greenwood, and is spotty all the way down to Texarkana. Maybe a signal, briefly, around towns, but there are loooong stretches with no reception at all. I'm seriously considering an iPhone 3GS, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with iPhones in this area?

It's all in the phone. My Motorola gets wonderful reception at home and everywhere in the Ft. Smith / Greenwood area. My wife's el-cheapo LG constantly drops calls in our home (good in town though). Originally had Cingular service (about 3 years ago) and their reception (and service) was horrible. My advice, if you live outside of Ft. Smith, try a couple of different phones with whatever carrier you choose before purchasing you phone.