I do mean rarely; maybe 3-4 times in 10 years. I travel a lot domestically and internationally. I have always had coverage in the urban areas/countries to which I travel. Coverage in rural areas can be very, very spotty if that is a concern. I pay a lot less and get more than everyone I know with Verizon service. We have five on a family plan.

Their international plan is fantastic now with unlimited text and data and $.20 a minute almost everywhere. I used to pay up to $3.49 a minute if I ever had to use my phone internationally, so, I always looked for other options; now, I don't think about it much unless it will be a really long call.