Not AT&T, not Verizon: This is JD Power’s overall best in wireless network quality – SlashGear

According to vol. 1 of by J.D. Power 2026 US Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, T-Mobile is the best choice for the strongest wireless network quality. The latest edition of the annual survey looked at how consistently top networks are at or near the top in each measured region. And while Verizon Wireless led the way in the North Central US and tied T-Mobile with a few others, the magenta-colored mobile network still had fewer problems per 100 users overall.

That is the core statistic of the study: PP100. Lower PP100 scores mean better network quality. Essentially, fewer dropped calls, faster data speeds, and fewer connection issues during normal device use. Of course, just because T-Mobile’s PP100 scores were the lowest overall doesn’t mean that all the other competing networks aren’t worth using. Across the industry, almost all wireless networks perform at a high level of functionality, with the sole exception of AT&T.

While JD Power reports that the national average held steady at a PP100 score of nine or less over the past year, AT&T was at or above that level in every region they measured. The research was based on responses from 20,050 customers surveyed between June and November 2025 and also included feedback on smartphones, tablets and home internet devices for the most comprehensive view of network reliability in the real world.

These 2026 findings are a real shakeup compared to last year’s. In 2025, Verizon Wireless was the most common regional leader, and national average PP100 scores were higher than today. Subsequently, customers reported an average of eleven problems per 100 uses, compared to nine in 2024. This year there are nine again. Verizon Wireless ranked highest in four regions in 2025: Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, West, and tied with AT&T for first in the Southwest. At the time, T-Mobile claimed first place alone in the Southeast, and with another 11 PP100. With so many changes coming to T-Mobile in 2026, it will be interesting to see how next year’s findings will play out.