Wireless Carrier Investments in Self-Service Tools Drive Satisfaction and Revenue in Customer Care, J.D. Power Finds

T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular Rank Highest in Respective Segments

J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Study (Graphic: Business Wire)

TROY, Mich.--()--The best wireless customer care experiences are increasingly becoming those that involve only one human being, according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance StudySM—Volume 1 and the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Performance StudySM—Volume 1.

The last several years of investment by wireless carriers in their unassisted customer care channels, including technologies such as mobile apps, websites and online videos, have yielded improvements in unassisted care customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, the satisfaction gap between assisted and unassisted care is narrowing, accompanied by an increase in usage among younger generations in unassisted care channels.

It’s become crystal clear in our data that wireless customers—particularly younger customers under age 35—appreciate being able to help themselves whenever they want, without having to wait for a customer service representative or talk to someone on the phone,” said Ian Greenblatt, managing director at J.D. Power. “This is foundational for network operators who can receive upwards of 100 million customer service calls per year. With an average cost per call of about $9 to $12, the ability to migrate customers to self-service channels without compromising customer satisfaction is a critical advantage for those who get the formula right.”

Study Results

For full-service carriers, T-Mobile ranks highest with a score of 848. Verizon Wireless (817) ranks second and AT&T (793) ranks third. The full-service segment average is 805.

For non-contract full-service carriers, Metro by T-Mobile ranks highest with a score of 821. Boost Mobile and Cricket rank second in a tie with a score of 815. The segment average is 809.

For non-contract value carriers, Consumer Cellular ranks highest with a score of 888. Straight Talk Wireless (771) ranks second and TracFone (751) ranks third. The segment average is 795.

The 2020 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance Study—Volume 1 and the 2020 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Performance Study—Volume 1 are based on responses from 12,974 customers who contacted their carrier’s customer care department within the past three months. The studies evaluate customer care experiences across 12 different customer care channels: phone customer service reps; in-store contact; online chat; email; social media post; carrier app question post; automated telephone systems; website search; social media search; user forum; video from carrier; and carrier app search.

The studies were fielded from July through December 2019.

For more information about the U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance Study and the U.S. Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Performance Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/us-wireless-customer-care-performance-study

See the online press release at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2020009.

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Contacts

Media Relations Contacts
Geno Effler, J.D. Power; Costa Mesa, Calif.; 714-621-6224; media.relations@jdpa.com
John Roderick; Huntington, NY.; 631-584-2200; john@jroderick.com

Release Summary

J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Study

Contacts

Media Relations Contacts
Geno Effler, J.D. Power; Costa Mesa, Calif.; 714-621-6224; media.relations@jdpa.com
John Roderick; Huntington, NY.; 631-584-2200; john@jroderick.com