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T-Mobile is now America’s best wireless carrier (of the big four, at least)

By Lulu Chang December 5, 2015

T-Mobile Binge On — Nick Mokey/Digital Trends

Verizon, move over. It’s T-Mobile’s turn at the top. The results from this year’s Consumer Reports are in, in the fifth iteration of the nationwide survey, it’s John Legere’s pink-fueled mobile carrier that has been rated the best in the country. Well, only if you’re comparing the big four. With a score of 73 out of 100, T-Mobile customers were the happiest in terms of value, voice quality, texting services, Web issues (or lack thereof), data speeds, and customer support. This is the first time that Verizon has been unseated as the best of the big ones, but this just makes them the underdog for next year, right?

In a tight pack, T-Mobile just barely edged out its toughest competitors for the top seed — Verizon received 70 points, AT&T racked up 70, while Sprint rounded out the Big Four carriers with a score of 67. Ultimately, it was T-Mobile’s service and value that gave the company the edge over other players — despite the fact that both AT&T and Verizon customers reported higher call and data quality, they didn’t manage to win overall. So maybe it’s time for these companies to start paying attention to T-Mobile’s calls to end data overage charges.

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Unperturbed by the survey results, Verizon spokesman Chuck Hamby noted, “We’ve always said that the most accurate performance measurement comes from scientific-based testing, not from crowd-sourced or survey data. Verizon will remain focused on providing the best wireless network and experience possible for our customers, not on accolades.”

Of course, none of the major carriers can really claim huge accolades, as every single one of them was beaten by smaller carriers, including top rated Consumer Cellular, Ting, Jitterbug, Credo, Virgin Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.

However, Americans as a whole seem more satisfied this year with their cell phone service — across the board, scores were on the rise. So congrats, mobile carriers! Help us continue loving you.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

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