Sprint hasnt changed, this runs on a CDMA network here in the states. That being said Sprint still provides UNLOCKED phones for international use that use SIM cards, i.e. some HTC phones, Blackberries [i.e. Tour, Bold] and some other random phones. As long as these phones are unlocked they will ALL work on the SIM networks in DR. I know the island's carriers have slowly started to phase out CDMA phones in favor of SIM but you could save yourself a lot of headache by just buying a phone in DR. Unless you know how to unlock your phones or dont care to pay someone to unlock it for you [and they will try to rip you off believe me], just save yourself the hassle and get a phone on the island. Seriously, what do you need the HTC for? To draw unwanted attention? hmmmm