What is a potential drawback of using cell phones of limited value in search and rescue?

The chosen answer highlights a significant limitation of cell phone use in search and rescue operations: dependence on local towers. In remote or mountainous areas, where many search and rescue missions take place, cell phone reception can be unreliable or nonexistent. This can severely hinder communication efforts, as rescuers may not be able to connect with each other or with command centers to coordinate their activities. Additionally, if a rescue team or individual is in a location that doesn't have access to the required network infrastructure, their ability to call for help or give updates on their situation is compromised.

The other options present attributes of cell phones that do not inherently affect their utility in search and rescue scenarios. For instance, high durability is not a general characteristic of cell phones; many are quite fragile. While some phones do allow for international connections, it’s rarely relevant to the function of search and rescue within a fixed geographic area. Lastly, the claim of unlimited battery life is inaccurate as all mobile devices have limited battery capacity, which can critically impact their use in prolonged search and rescue situations if not properly managed.