next g vs cdma

With the shut down of the CDMA network looming early next year I was wondering if any Hotcopperites have made the switch to Next G.
What I’m anxious to find out is which Brand of Next G phone performs to the standard of CDMA? I want a phone that works "Out in the Sticks" not just in the built-up areas.
Last Easter traveling down the West Coast of Tassie with a group my CDMA was the only phone that had service and one of the others was a Next G.
A basic phone that works as a phone , I don’t need MP3, Email, Camera and all the BS that seems to be built in to every phone.
If you’ve made the switch I’d like to hear your opinion on performance, Brand, model.

Cheers
Pete