The JD Power study ranks customer satisfaction with Internet service providers and mobile carriers based on design, system performance, capabilities, and information observed through their respective apps and websites. However, these factors are not the only things that matter to customers. Ookla, the connectivity intelligence company behind the Speedtest web app, recognized T-Mobile as having the “Best Mobile Network in America” in 2025. So it’s no surprise that there are budget phone carriers that use T-Mobile’s network rather than building their own.
What to look for in a good telephone operator
When people change phone carriers, it’s usually because they’re looking for lower costs, more reliable coverage, larger data capacities, and friendlier customer service. The best phone plan providers of 2026 actually all have something in common: versatility. Customers love the ability to access mobile networks from anywhere and create a plan tailored to their unique needs. Reviewers have noted T-Mobile’s versatility, especially in 5G coverage.
JD Power’s Telecom Digital Experience study also highlights another example of T-Mobile’s flexibility: in addition to being just another phone carrier, it is also the most popular Internet service provider, even ahead of Verizon and AT&T. A high customer satisfaction rating doesn’t mean T-Mobile is the ideal carrier for everyone.
If you’re looking for a new plan, don’t overlook other phone carriers offering the best cheap plans. T-Mobile plans start at $15 per month, but some smaller carriers like Mint Mobile offer even lower plans for new customers — and in fact, Mint Mobile’s customer satisfaction is even higher than T-Mobile’s for its wireless services.
