The emergency issue and lack of service in public emergencies so far has ignored the real answer presently available--Become an amateur radio operator. It always works as long as there is power, you do not pay by the minute and it is portable. It cannot be used for business and is encouraged for all civil service activities. All you have to do is pass a relatively simple test to become a "technician."
How much you wish to upgrade your equipment is entirely up to you. There is a large unrecognized social group scattered all over the world just waiting to talk with you.

Lady Hillary has just about talked me into joining in.

On a recent trip to Mooseland, including Kendall and Jacqui's area, my cingular phone was a piece of crap but Lady Hillary's Verizon worked perfectly. Ditto in South Jersey and many other areas. I have since switched to a Verizon Family plan with Lady Hillary and only had one drop in 3 months. My Cingular contract had expired and they were threatening me with all sorts of dire consequences if I did not upgrade.

So I upgraded away from them.

re: The court issue. The judge is expected to concentrate on the issues before him, without distraction.
In medical offices, cell phones may interact with electronic equipment, causing false readings. Live without the phone for a few minutes unless you see the doctor using one in the office. Then, al bets are off.