said by supergirl :

J.D. Power are crooks. They "sell" they rankings pretty much. Consumer Reports is honest.

Guide to cell phone service carriers

ALLTEL

One of the better providers in the three metro areas for which we had adequate survey data.

A standout for connectivity. Among the better carriers in customer service and the least likely in our survey to extend contracts when changing plans. Automatic credit for dropped calls. Less widely available than other top carriers. Offers high-speed wireless data network for faster Web browsing and downloading. Uses code division multiple access (CDMA) technology. Alltel and Verizon announced plans to merge, pending approval from federal regulators.

Unique offering: My Circle plan, which allows unlimited free calls to 10 designated phone numbers, wireless or landline on any network.

VERIZON

Among the better carriers this year and in our earlier surveys.

A standout for connectivity. Among the better national carriers in customer service and the first to prorate termination fees (with a $5 reduction per month). Offers high-speed wireless data network for faster Web browsing and downloading. Uses CDMA technology. Alltel and Verizon announced plans to merge, pending approval from federal regulators.

Unique offering: VCast Mobile TV, a live-TV service with cable and broadcast channels.

T-MOBILE

Another solid performer that often offers more for your money.

On par with Verizon in most of the metro areas we surveyed. Least expensive for Web access ($6 a month for unlimited access) and for multimedia messages (messages with photos or other media attachments cost the same as text messages, which are inexpensive with T-Mobile's bundles). The myFaves plans allow unlimited free calls to five people on any network. Uses Global System for Mobile (GSM) technology, so most of its phones can also be used outside the U.S. Rolling out high-speed wireless data network.

Unique offering: HotSpot@Home, which allows phones to switch to Internet calling (see T-Mobile WiFi phones).

AT&T

Home of the iPhone but trails the better carriers in almost all respects.

The exclusive carrier for the iPhone. Has Smart Limits plan for controlling kids' access (see 5 Ways to cut your bill). But service and satisfaction were clearly second-tier, and connectivity was below average, thanks to static and service failures in many of the metro areas we surveyed. The carrier offers high-speed wireless data network for faster Web browsing and downloading. It uses GSM technology, so most of its phones can also be used outside the U.S.

Unique offering: minutes, which allow you to carry over unused minutes for almost a year. AT&T Mobile TV, a live-TV service with cable and broadcast channels.

SPRINT

Bottom-ranked of carriers we rate.

Consistently among the lowest-rated for satisfaction, dropped calls, and customer service. Users buy more high-speed data services from Sprint than from any other carrier. Sprint merged with Nextel in 2005 and maintains the Nextel network separately to offer walkie-talkie ("push to talk") capability between compatible Sprint Nextel phones. Our results exclude customers who receive Nextel service from Sprint because their phones operate on the different iDEN technology. Offers high-speed wireless data network for faster Web browsing and downloads. Uses CDMA technology.

Unique offering: Unlimited calling starts at 7 p.m., earlier than other carriers.

said by supergirl :

J.D. Power are crooks. They "sell" they rankings pretty much. Consumer Reports is honest.