CNET published its reader survey on September 30, 2026 under the headline that its readers trust smaller carriers more than the major networks, with MVNOs scoring higher in many categories. It's the third survey this year to land in the same place.
What the surveys found
| Survey | Result |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power 2026, Volume 2 (57,339 customers) | Consumer Cellular 720 and Mint Mobile 711, against 636 for T-Mobile, the top-rated network operator for postpaid |
| ACSI 2026 | Value MVNOs scored 79 and full-service MVNOs 77, against 76 for network operators as a group |
| CNET People's Picks, September 2026 | Readers rated MVNOs higher than AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in many categories |
Why smaller carriers score higher
MVNOs use the same towers as Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile, so coverage is the same as the network they rent from. The difference shows up in price and in how customers are treated. Most MVNOs cost less and have fewer fees, which lifts the value scores these surveys weigh heavily.
What the scores don't capture
Most MVNO plans have lower data priority than the host network's own customers, so speeds can drop on a busy tower. They also tend to have fewer phone deals and perks. If you stream a lot in crowded places, or want a free phone with a new line, a big-three plan can still be the better fit.
Which MVNOs use Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
See the network map →Frequently asked questions
Which carrier has the highest customer satisfaction in 2026? +
Do MVNOs have worse coverage? +
Keep reading
All news
One email when a carrier raises rates, drops a plan, or launches a deal worth switching for. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.