Cell reception in rural Italy

Is your phone unlocked and do you have the international calling plan? I have had so many issues with Verizon while traveling that I now just have a cheap Italian phone (biggest service providers are TIM and Vodaphone) to use while I am in Italy. The phone plus calling plan came to less than 100 euro for three months.

As a back-up plan, you could use an internet service like Skype (or email). Most hotels have Wi-Fi.

When I was reading on Verizon it looks like I could just pay by minute with the phone I have? I don't plan in using it much, just wanted to be available in case my mom, who is dog/housesitting, has an emergency. So I'm willing to pay the $2 a minute or whatever, as I don't expect to need it much or at all. I was worried that getting an Italian phone would make it more difficult for her to call me if she has a problem. I know I can use Skype to call her, but I don't think it would help me receive a call from her. Not sure, I've never used a phone oversees, but I've never had her house sit for me before.

I had no issues in monterosso al mare when I was there

Just get out in the open and you'll be fine.
Inside those old stone buildings with very thick walls? Not so sure.

Tamara,

Your cellular coverage in Italy will be as good as the roaming agreements that Verizon has negotiated with networks in Italy. Your coverage will depend on which network you happen to be connected to at any given time.

I've been using roaming with my home network for the last few years, and it has always worked well. The phone seems to select whichever network has the strongest coverage in each area. I have never had any problems in the Cinque Terre, including when hiking the trails.

Cellular coverage is generally good all over Italy, but actual coverage is to be evaluated locally. For example the Wind network (that is the cheapest one for Italians) covers my living room well enough, not so well my kitchen - Vodafone is fine in both.

Foreign cell phones in roaming mode can choose which network they connect; if in automatic roaming mode a phone will choose the strongest signal, in manual mode will scan all networks and leave the choice to the user. This means that a roaming phone has the best possible coverage - local phones will be limited to their home network, without even seeing the other networks.

I have T-Mobile and my phone worked fine in the Chianti region of Tuscany

Thank you all so much for your input! I will feel better knowing someone can get ahold of me if there is a problem. :)