The best bet in the boonies is analog. The digital service is taking
over the high population areas, but analog still rules in the sticks.
The best cheap phone for boonies is an old fashioned bag phone.
Instead of .6 watts power, they have 3 watts power. This makes a
considerable difference in area of reception. I've been able to get
them at Goodwill for about $10. The only trick is to find someone who
can program it to work with your provider. I searched internet for the
"Motorola Bible" and in it are instructions on how to program the
phone. You need to get some setting stuff from Verizon and program
that into the phone. You need to call back Verizon and tell them you
have a new phone and give them the electronic serial number. In a
minute you are good to go.

I've been using a bag phone for the boonies for the last five years.
It will work almost everywhere I go in the Great Basin of Oregon,
Nevada, and California. In many places I can get reception, my wife's
regular phone won't even get one bar.

The bag phone won't have any bells and whistles, but for emergency use,
it is great.

tom