At&t takes top spot in carrier loyalty for 17th consecutive year

For the 17th year running, AT&T has emerged as the carrier with the strongest customer loyalty, according to Brand Keys' 2026 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index (CLEI) rankings.

At&t's dominance driven by network quality, coverage and spending

The research firm evaluated 1,119 brands across 106 categories, and AT&T's impressive coverage of over 99% of the US population, coupled with its extensive network investments, including the recent acquisition of EchoStar spectrum, has earned it the top spot.

AT&T's convergence strategy, offering both 5G internet and fiber internet, likely contributes to its historically low churn rate of less than 1%. The company's brand identity, dating back to 1885, has also played a significant role in fostering customer loyalty.

While T-Mobile and Verizon are far from struggling, AT&T's customers remain the most deeply committed, making it a crucial win for the carrier in an increasingly competitive market.

As the carrier war continues, retaining loyalty has become paramount. AT&T's dominance for nearly two decades underscores its success in this area, leaving room for improvement in its acquisition strategy to cement its position as an unbeatables.