Why do HTC Phones not pull in a signal

[krlseidl]

I used to have a Motorola RAZR that could pick up a cell tower signal like you wouldn't believe. Since I spend a lot of time in northern Wisconsin this was an important feature.
6 months ago I switched to an HTC PPC6800. I love the capabilities that Windows mobile gives me. I get TV from my slingbox and use Remote desktop to connect to servers at work. However, I have found that in the same areas where I got a strong signal with my RAZR the HTC phone can barely operate. Also when the signal dgrades from EV status to 1X calls will not ring on the phone and go right to voice mail. I have missed several important support calls because of this.
Yesterday after complaining to my Cellcom rep he said I should come in and try out an HTC TouchPro 6850. In the company store this phone could not even get a strong enough signal to complete receiving a call. The rep had to step outside with it. I decided to pass on the exchange.
Is this common to HTC phones? Is there a fix? If not I will be looking real hard at the Omnia 2 when it is released.