I don't usually have trouble with reception, except in and around my home, which is where I spend most of my time! I had Alltel and never had any trouble with reception in this house (same phone for 3 years now), then just before Verizon took over it went to crap. When I am not using my phone it usually shows 4 - 5 bars, but as soon as I make or receive a call it drops to nothing. Sometimes I can get one or two bars, but most of the time I walk all over the house and out in the yard and there is no signal at all. It's inconsistent too. I can be on a call where I have a little signal, and not move an inch, and it suddenly goes out and will not come back. It's the most annoying thing and especially frustrating since this is mostly where I [try to] use my phone! No trouble most anywhere else, though.