T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have held on to their lead in wireless contract regional customer satisfaction rankings for another year, a study by J.D. Powers and Associates indicates.

According to the 2007 U.S. Wireless Contract Regional Customer Satisfaction Index, the number of households with multiple members sharing wireless service plan minutes is on the rise, totaling 50%, leading to increased satisfaction and higher loyalty.

In light of the survey results, it’s not surprising that more carriers are offering family share service plans, said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power. "Wireless users also benefit from shared family plans because they reduce the overall household monthly bill and prices paid for new cell phones compared to subscribing to individual plans. Using a shared plan among family members also provides a more efficient method to use the excess anytime minutes."

T-Mobile ranked highest in five of the six regions, including four ties, excelling in customer service, cost of service and billing. Verizon Wireless tied with T-Mobile in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North Central and Southwest regions, performing particularly well in call quality and brand image. Alltel ranked highest in a tie in the Southeast region, while U.S. Cellular tied for the highest ranking in the North Central region.