Assuming (That can be trouble. ) you might be in an area of limited/non-existent cell coverage, what SAT-Phone would you purchase/rent, and what service provider would you use?

This will be mostly used for non-routine calls, but for more than just emergencies.

I know there has been discussion about companies loosing satellites, so that is also a concern. The primary coverage areas needed will be on the North American Continent from the Rio Grande to as far north as Canada & Alaska.

My Concerns:
Handset Cost
Handset Reliability
Provider Reliability (Not about to go out of business)
Network Coverage
Network Reliability
Airtime Cost

Thanks for all the help!