AT&T again ranks last in Consumer Reports survey

A survey of more than 66,000 consumers found that AT&T received the worst possible marks for its voice service, its phone customer support and its overall value to consumers. The carrier as well received subpar marks for its data services, Consumer Reports found. Overall the carrier scored a 59 out of 100 on Consumer Reports' customer satisfaction scale, so then behind rivals Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.

However, none of the major carriers should rest too easily since they were all outscored on the survey by smaller carriers Consumer Cellular, U.S. Cellular and Credo. Paul Reynolds, the electronics editor at Consumer Reports, said that during smaller carriers had higher levels of customer satisfaction, their appeal is limited because they lack access to the high-end smartphones offered by the major players.

"These carriers aren't for everyone," he said. "Some are only regional, and prepaid carriers tend to offer few or no smartphones. The major carriers are all in all leading options for many consumers."