Drones like this one aren't reliant on phone networks at all. They tend to use the 2.4GHz band for the pilot control link, and sometimes also for telemetry back

Drones like this one aren't reliant on phone networks at all. They tend to use the 2.4GHz band for the pilot control link, and sometimes also for telemetry back to the pilot. The video links are analogue transmitters on 900MHz, 1.2, 2.4 or 5.8GHz depending on personal preference and local laws. However, you can operate these things in fully autonomous mode. You can start a few km away, fire it off, and in 10 minutes it will fly back with a memory card full of whatever. You can even program the landing spot to be different to the take-off spot & program feints. I'd personally land it somewhere secluded where I can safely watch for activity. If there's an hint of trouble, just leave it and power up the next one...