I feel more comfortable with a land-line but in case I lose power for any extended period of time, I have my Verizon cell phone.
No problems with power loss and or cell phone coverage. I believe Verizon has the most towers, that span the USA. been with Verizon for 10 years and never had a problem.
Your right in that you get what you pay for. Buy it nice, or buy it twice.
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"It doesn't cost "nuttin", to be nice". 
MOM
I just want to do the right thing! Uncle Joe, (my hero).