Phone has no signal, MiFi does

So ive been using a MiFi2200 for over a year. It does very well. The only thing i didnt like was carrying it and my iPod with me in my pocket. I didnt like carrying 2 devices around, so i decided to upgrade my basic phone to a smart phone, and get rid of the MiFi.

Less than 2 weeks ago, i got my Razr Maxx. I still have my MiFi activated just until May 2nd. Right now i am in Hannibal, MO. There are no Verizon towers here, so i am roaming. My MiFi devices has the slightest of connection. It takes about 20 seconds to load a web page such as this one. My phone has no connection whatsoever.

Fortunately since i still have MiFi service for the rest of this month, i am able to connect my phone to it via WiFi. If my MiFi had already ran out of service, i would be stuck with no data service for the next 2 days.

I tried calling *228 on my phone, it doesnt help. Is there anyway to boost my connection (or get a connection at all) or are the Razr Maxx's reception simply worst than the MiFi device's?

Edit: Ive noticed this a lot. I drove from Laredo, TX to Hannibal, MO. Going through Oklahoma and Missouri, Razr Maxx was constantly losing complete connection, and often phone connection as well, while MiFi was still holding a low connection.