Rusty, I have had many different cell phone providers and Verizon is the best by far! Mine hasn't had an intteruption in service today. Probably something with your local tower which they may be leasing from Utility Services Inc. If the particular tower lease isn't paid, UTI will send a tech to disconnect them from it leaving you with no signal but the other paid towers will still fuction. Same as when we dont pay our bill.
Pay as you go phones can get veeerrry expensive if not used within the terms of the contract and with much less dependabilty. I wouldn't go changing unless its finacially motivated and you dont talk much! IMHO