Wired's Gadget Lab title is catchy...

Survey: Most-Hated Wireless Company Isn't AT&T, It's Sprint

...but doesn't quite tell the story correctly. The article is based on the J.D. Power study described by J.D. Power itself here...

2009 Wireless Customer Care Volume 2

...and it has nothing to do with network availability, MMS and tethering for the iPhone or of the other various AT&T issues that have been the subject of much discussion in blogs and news articles for many months. This study looked specifically how customer contact was handled and perceived via telephone calls, in-person at retail stores and on the web.

Quite honestly, the overall numbers look good on all fronts. The overall customer care performance average is up from the study conducted 6 months ago (Feb. 2009). Problem resolution on first contact is up. And, hold time is down.

Alltel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless scored identical 747 points (out of 1000 possible). AT&T had 730 points while Sprint Nextel was dead last at 704 points.