(NEXSTAR) – Barring a massive outage like Verizon customers experienced recently, it can be easy to set up automatic payments and forget about the company behind one’s wireless plan.
However, a new 2026 satisfaction study from J.D. Power shows that America loves some carriers substantially more than others, though maybe not for the reason many might assume – the network.
“Attracting customers with network quality and pricing is just the first step,” said Carl Lepper, senior director of technology, media and telecom at J.D. Power, said in a news release. “True loyalty comes from how easy it is for customers to work with a carrier once they’re in the system, especially when it comes to resolving issues, managing bills and getting answers quickly.”
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The study, which is based on feedback from 59,097 customers, created a satisfaction score based on eight metrics: value for price paid; quality of service; level of trust; ease of doing business; people; product and service offerings; digital tools; and problem resolution.
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Out of a maximum score of 1000, J.D. Power ranked the top carriers in the country in two main categories, those that own and operate their own cell infrastructure (mobile network operators), and those that lease capacity from them (mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs).
Mobile Network operators – Postpaid
<ol>
<li>T-Mobile (631)</li>
<li>Verizon Wireless (593)</li>
<li>AT&amp;T (587)</li>
</ol>
Mobile Network operators – Prepaid
<ol>
<li>T-Mobile (629)</li>
<li>AT&amp;T (604)</li>
<li>Verizon Wireless (602)</li>
</ol>
Mobile Virtual Network operators – Postpaid
<ol>
<li>Consumer Cellular (721)</li>
<li>Google Fi Wireless (685)</li>
<li>Spectrum Mobile (614)</li>
<li>Boost Mobile (612)</li>
<li>Xfinity Mobile (594)</li>
</ol>
Mobile Virtual Network operators – Prepaid
<ol>
<li>Mint Mobile (715)</li>
<li>Visible by Verizon (702)</li>
<li>Cricket (647)</li>
<li>Straight Talk Wireless (647)</li>
<li>Metro by T-Mobile (632)</li>
</ol>
A lot has changed since the early days of wireless carrier competition, with offshoot companies, new business models and even celebrities getting into the game.
In 2025, actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett launched SmartLess Mobile, a name that mirrors the trio’s “SmartLess” podcast. 
Another MVNO wireless provider with ties to fame is Mint Mobile. While not launched by celebrities, Ryan Reynolds purchased an ownership stake in Mint in 2019. Mint’s parent, the Ka’ena Corporation, was later acquired by T-Mobile in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion.
“The MVNO market is not new,” said Forrester Research senior analyst Octavio Garcia Granados. “What’s new is the development on how it’s consumed and the (ease) for brands to launch such plans.”
T-Mobile-owned Mint advertises “flexible, buy-in-bulk” plans that range from $15 to $25 a month. Each option includes unlimited talk and text nationwide, but vary depending on plan length and data amount. Mint, founded in 2016, says it started “because we’d had enough of the wireless industry’s games” — and promises to help consumers avoid hidden fees.
SmartLess Mobile’s standard plans also start at $15 a month. Depending on the data amount purchased, that base fee can rise to $30 — but all of its plans similarly offer unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile’s network. 
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A J.D. Power study reveals America's favorite cell carriers for 2026, highlighting customer satisfaction based on eight metrics. T-Mobile leads in both postpaid and prepaid mobile network operator categories, while Consumer Cellular tops the postpaid mobile virtual network operator list. The study emphasizes that true customer loyalty stems from ease of interaction with carriers, rather than just network quality. The MVNO market is evolving, with new brands like SmartLess Mobile and Mint Mobile offering competitive plans. The study surveyed 59,097 customers to determine satisfaction scores.

These are America's favorite cell carriers for 2026, study finds