It might help us if you mentioned a carrier that you're considering, as well as where you live. Not all carriers serve all areas. I just happen to live in a market that has nothing but nationwide carriers and I have Verizon Wireless. Verizon Wireless works great for me in Gary, IN. I upgraded to the Samsung SCH-a650 flip phone and works great for me. Better than my old Motorola 120c. While The Samsung SCH-a650 phone doesn't have an external display, reception is great on it, even in areas that my old phone wouldn't work. As long as my phone shows one bar, I don't have problems with reception, while my Motorola 120c required 3 bars for clear calls. Battery life is fine most of the time. It just depends on how often the phone is used.