You're interested in switching wireless carriers, but you want to make sure they have good customer support. It's important to consider customer service when choosing a carrier, as cellular problems can easily arise. In this article, I'll explain which cell phone carrier has the best customer service and help you get support today!
The Cell Phone Carrier With The Best Customer Service
T-Mobile has the best customer service, according to a survey conducted by J.D. Power. T-Mobile had the highest overall level of customer satisfaction, followed closely by Verizon Wireless. AT&T fell below J.D. Power's segment average.
T-Mobile also has one of the best customer appreciation programs: T-Mobile Tuesdays. Subscribers can sign up for the T-Mobile Tuesdays app and receive exclusive deals for services, restaurants, hotels, concerts, and more!
Other wireless carriers have rewards programs too. Verizon has VerizonUp and AT&T has AT&T THANKS. Check with your carrier to see if you're eligible for their customer appreciation program. You may eligible for free stuff!
Subscribers of a T-Mobile mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), like Metro by T-Mobile, don't qualify for this rewards program. However, J.D. Power's survey concluded that buyers can expect a similar caliber of customer care from Metro by T-Mobile.
Consumer Cellular, Metro by T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Cricket Wireless led the way in consumer satisfaction among MVNO customers.
What Your Wireless Carrier Will And Won't Do
Billing Issues
Wireless companies offer users online services, both through internet portals and phone apps, along with billing specific features. Customers can explore cell phone plans, review and renew contracts, and make payments directly online.
To some, this might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, customer service representatives can aid you while navigating through this unfamiliar territory. Effective customer support assists with all things billing, from setting up AutoPay to handling suspicious charges and payments.
Service Issues
Your carrier's customer service may be able to help if you're experiencing spotty reception. A customer service representative will probably ask you to review your phone's call preferences to verify a cellular issue rather than poor internet connectivity.
Most of the time, your carrier won't be able to help you fix an issue with poor service. It's more likely that your phone is experiencing a software issue, or that your carrier doesn't have coverage in your area. Check out our coverage maps to see if your carrier has good service where you live. If they don't, it may be time to switch!
It's also possible that there's an issue with your phone's SIM card. A SIM card connects your phone to your carrier's wireless network. If it's damaged or defective, you won't be able to make calls, send texts, or use cellular data.
We've written a series of articles that can help you fix common SIM issues from home. If you're unable to fix the problem, contact your carrier and ask for a replacement.
Help With Phone Upgrades
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and some MVNOs have trade-in programs as a way to incentivize phone upgrades. These programs allow new and existing customers to trade in an eligible phone for cash or credit applied to your phone bill. Contact your wireless carrier to see if you're eligible for an upgrade.
You can often get a great deal on a new iPhone or Android when you switch wireless carriers. Check out our phone comparison tool to learn how to get a new phone by switching!
Online Support
Customer service is now more accessible than ever as consumers can reach out to their carriers via email, online chat, and social media. Some carriers also have online forums where users can post questions and get direct support from a customer service representative as well as other customers.
Will My Carrier Help Fix Problems With My Cell Phone?
No, your wireless carrier's customer support team probably won't help you with cell phone problems, especially if they're software related. Fortunately, you have other options. Apple provides free support to iPhone owners, regardless of your wireless carrier.
We can help as well! We have dozens of articles that show you how to fix common problems with iPhones, Androids, and other devices.
The Customer Is Always Right
It's never fun when you have to contact customer service, but now you know when to do so. Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends, family, and followers about the cell phone carrier with the best customer service. Leave a comment down below if you have any other questions!
I have been a customer of AT&T for over 50 years. Within the last 15 years the customer service has been terrible. When I call customer service, I’m connected 99% of the time to an offshore agent and it is always a horrible experience no matter if it’s the internet, cell phone or land line. If AT&T is so hard up for money that they can’t hire US citizens then they need to cut the upper management’s excessive wages, or just go belly up. I’m looking for a company with agents that speak English and knows what they are talking… Read more »
I’ve had T-Mobile for 20 years and I can’t wait to leave. Their customer service used to be fantastic, now not so much. They’ve screwed over long-term customers too long.
I don’t believe this. I’ve had way too much trouble with T-Mobile. Their local store, phone customer service, and website have all been terrible for me.
Helpful!! I’ll be switching to T-mobile. Just had my phone stolen in the UK and AT&T says the only way to get the new sim is for me to fly back to the US. They can’t send it to my address on file or do any authorization to the number on file. Can’t do anything on their website either. It’s amazing.
verizon doesnt even pick up the phone. impossible to get a real person on the phone. terrible service. 25 yr customer no more.
My experience as well. It took an hour and directly talked to no human being to resolve what should have been a problem that never happened in the first place. Verizon is expensive AND terrible.
Myself as well. Twenty-five years, and I am leaving Verizon because of the horrible customer service.