Wireless Service in Louisiana

I am having problems with my phone getting service around my house near Robeline - Marthaville, Louisiana.. (Near Natchitoches)

The phones works fine if I get closer to town where I know ATT has towers, however, the "partner" towers that all 3 phones on my account use will not do anything.. Calls say emergancy only and texts will not go through either..  (Disclaimer: I already know about data on off network towers, I'm just trying to call and text, I have Wifi at home)

Is this a problem with them or has ATT blocked access to the towers??  I have been a loyal customer of over 10 years to ATT, I did switch to Verizon one time because of the "off network" data restrictions only to find out they are way worse than ATT..  Everything was working fine one day and the next we had nothing..  

Also I am hearing from several people that this is happening to them as well..

Anybody know anything??