Consumer Reports Finds U.S. Cell-Phone Service Providers Lacking

Consumer Reports today released its most recent survey of more than 50,000 readers that found only 54 percent of respondents were completely or very satisfied with their cell-phone service (regardless of network). In a press release Consumer Reports notes that despite smarter phones, more flexible plans, and faster wireless networks, cell service continues to be among the lower-rated of all the services that they evaluate.

The survey also showed that almost two-thirds of respondents had at least one major complaint. About one in five readers cited high prices as their top complaint, which is more than any other annoyance.

America is in love with the cell phone, but they are lukewarm about cell phone-phone service, said Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor at Consumer Reports. "Theyre especially concerned about its cost in these tight economic times.

AT&T was the lowest-rated cell-phone service provider and received low marks in voice service and customer support. Verizon was the top-rated carrier and handily beat AT&T in all areas surveyed.

The full report is included in Consumer Reports January 2010 issue and is posted on their website. A city-by-city rating is available for 26 metropolitan areas. Also included in the January 2010 issue is an update to the organization's cell phone ratings. Apple's iPhone models continue to remain on top of Consumer Reports smart phone ratings as of this posting.