T-Mobile has been ranked as the United States' top major wireless carrier, based on the latest Consumer Reports survey. The No. 1 nationwide carrier received high marks for its customer support and value. However, its scores for call and data quality were below AT&T and Verizon, and only higher than Sprint.
Consumer Reports' survey collected readers' opinions about various aspects of carriers. They include customer support, data speeds, texting services, value, voice quality, and Web problems.
This was the fifth year of the magazine's survey. It was also the first year that Verizon was not ranked number one among the "big 4" nationwide carriers, according to CNN.
However, the difference between the four carriers was not big. The overall scores were: T-Mobile (73), Verizon (70), AT&T (68), and Sprint (67).
Verizon spokesman Chuck Hamby explained that scientific-based testing is a more precise performance test than survey or crowd-sourced data.
However, the major nationwide carriers all scored far below discount and regional services. They include top-ranked Consumer Cellular, as well as Credo, Ting, U.S. Cellular, and Virgin Mobile.
T-Mobile is boosting its customer base through its "Uncarrier" promotions. They include features such as free international roaming, and unlimited music and movie streaming.
Other nationwide carriers have adjusted their products and services to keep up with T-Mobile. That is due to its contract-free plans, lower prices, and customer-friendly vision.
T-Mobile passed Sprint earlier this year to become the U.S.'s third biggest carrier based on number of subscribers, according to Phone Arena. Nevertheless, in the Consumer Reports survey Sprint had the highest overall score increase, at eight points.
Consumer Reports is a monthly magazine that was first published in 1936. The not-for-profit ad-free organization pays for every product it tests.
This video features T-Mobile's "Uncarrier" promotion: