Verizon Wireless (VZ) again came out the big winner in J.D. Power and Associates ranking of network quality, garnering the highest consumer scores in five of the six regions. The carrier only lost out in the North Central region to U.S. Cellular Corp. (USM)
J.D. Power noted that Verizon Wireless has come out on top of the rankings for 14 consecutive reporting periods. The survey tracks dropped calls, initial connections, transmission failures and late text messages.
In the Northeast region, Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) and T-Mobile USA Inc. were tied in a distant second to Verizon Wireless with AT&T Mobility (T) even further behind. In the Mid-Atlantic region the three operators were all tied for second place, again a fair way behind Verizon Wireless. In the Southeast region, T-Mobile USA was a close second to Verizon Wireless, with AT&T Mobility and Sprint Nextel tied for third. The Southwest region showed AT&T Mobility and Sprint Nextel tied for second, with T-Mobile USA a distant fourth. And in the West region, T-Mobile USA came closest to Verizon Wireless, with Sprint Nextel a distant third and AT&T Mobility at No. 4.
The only blemish for Verizon Wireless was the North Central region where it placed a distant second to U.S. Cellular, with T-Mobile USA close behind at No. 3 and AT&T Mobility and Sprint Nextel tied at a distant No. 4.
Overall, the survey found consumers are talking less on their phones, with average monthly usage falling 77 minutes over the past two years to 450 calling minutes per month. While at the same time, text messaging usage is skyrocketing with consumers sending or receiving more than 500 text messages per month.
The survey also noted that while smartphones are increasing in popularity, consumers are experiencing more issues with their smarter devices.
Overall, J.D. Power found that overall network performance varied widely depending on the activity being performed on the device. Consumers reported more problems placing traditional phone calls as compared with messaging or data activities.
When it came to data issues, more consumers noted issues with slow connection speeds as opposed to connection failures or e-mail failures.
“Based on the varying degree of consistency with overall network performance, it’s critical that wireless carriers continue to invest in improving both the voice quality and data connection-related issues that customers continue to experience,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates.
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