We used to have Qualcomm phones that worked great but they were dated. Verizon talked us into this model. If we stand on our back porch and face the west corner we may get lucky and get one bar for a quick call. Or we can sit in our car with the door shut and get great reception. Just don't drive it. Verizon works better than almost any of the other carriers. A friend has Sprint and loses reception as soon as she gets on Hwy. 11. Verizon reception is off and on. Maybe a different phone may help. We never get voice messages timely. They are usually about five days late in getting to us. Hopefully no one has an emergency and needs to contact us. Also, only internet availability is "dial up". No DSL or high speed in this area.