RCR Wireless News is reporting that Sprint's luck may be changing: according to a recent survey by Pali Research, Sprint ranked first in customer service response time, a "significant statement for a carrier that has been raked over the coals in past customer service surveys."

Some numbers quoted from the report:

- Sprint Nextel answered more than 91% of calls in 30 seconds or less for the third quarter, which is up from 68 percent (Q1) and 52 percent (Q2).

- The carrier answered 99% of calls in two minutes or less, compared to 84% during first quarter testing.

"We believe Sprint is making tangible progress in improving churn, but Q3 gross additions in the CDMA business could be affected by the launch of the iPhone and a reduction in commissions," the report said. Nonetheless, this has to be welcome news for Sprint CEO Dan Hesse.