If you're outside of 10 miles either way outside the city (especially west) it's going to fall off. Cleveland isn't as well covered as it willl be in the future.
I have verizon and live close to the lake out in Avon Lake. I drop calls all the time (I'm assuming becaus we are so close to the lake)! It happens frequently too when driving through Bay Village.
I have Verizon, and did have for the last 3 years before I left Cleveland about 3 years ago. I get up there quite a bit still, and I also have my same 216 number I had when I lived there. Very, very little issues. The wife's family is on our plan, and they have no issues either. Most of my friends have Verizon as well, and there are no dead spots I have found in that area. Even in the outer areas of Cleveland. *shrug*
I'm with you I have Verizon as well and never have dead spots. I always have at least one bar when my friends phones are "searching for signal." Downside is the ask to borrow mine.....
I have sprint and it used to be pretty bad here in Hudson, now its just ok, I usually have like 2-3 bars max. Almost every one of my friends have Verizon and they have pretty good service.