Major Carriers Hold Quality Steady with Under 9 Problems Per 100 Uses
A new study from J.D. Power shows the U.S. wireless industry is maintaining strong network quality, with major carriers reporting an average of 9 problems per 100 uses (PP100) or fewer. The 2026 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, released January 15, 2026, surveyed 20,050 customers between June and November 2025, underscoring a period of sustained performance and intense competition.
The central finding highlights the close race between T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless for network supremacy. The two carriers tied for the highest rank in three of the six regions surveyed: the Mid-Atlantic (8 PP100), the Northeast (9 PP100), and the West (9 PP100). This parity indicates that from coast to coast, consumers experience comparable top-tier network quality from the two market leaders.
Verizon Wins North Central With 6 PP100 as T-Mobile Sweeps South
While much of the country saw a tie, Verizon Wireless established a clear lead in the North Central region. It scored 6 PP100, the best regional performance noted in the study, ahead of UScellular (7 PP100) and T-Mobile (8 PP100).
Conversely, T-Mobile demonstrated its network strength across the southern United States. It ranked highest in the Southeast region with a score of 8 PP100, where AT&T and Verizon tied for second place at 9 PP100. T-Mobile also secured the top position in the Southwest region with another score of 8 PP100, with Verizon ranking second at 9 PP100.
Younger Users Drive Data Demand as Networks Prove Resilient
The study also notes that younger mobile users report more problems, a likely consequence of their higher engagement with data-intensive activities like streaming and video calls. Despite this, the networks have proven capable of handling the strain.
Younger consumers continue to push network limits through streaming and video calls, yet the industry has responded with resilience. Major carriers are delivering consistent performance.
— Carl Lepper, Senior Director of Technology, Media and Telecom at J.D. Power.
