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AT&T ranks last in cell service

AT&T Inc. is the nation’s worst cell-phone service provider, according to Consumer Reports.

The magazine, known for independent testing of consumer products, said AT&T came in last behind top scorer U.S. Cellular. Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile also scored higher than the exclusive service provider of Apple Inc.’s popular iPhone.

It was the only carrier rated by the magazine to have its overall satisfaction level fall this year.

AT&T struggled in all 10 categories used to determine the rankings, the magazine said. Consumer Reports readers gave AT&T an overall score of 60, far behind the 69 they gave to second-to-last T-Mobile.

AT&T’s data and voice services and its customer service — including staff knowledge and the ability to resolve issues — were all deemed lacking.

The report, based on 58,000 responses, reached the same conclusion in 2009 when the provider, which was found to offer the most expensive plans with or without data, was given a rating of 66.

Consumer Reports is also declining to recommend the iPhone to readers, citing lingering concerns about the smart phone’s reception problems and Apple’s decision in September to cancel its giveaway of free cases to address a signal-strength problem.

Verizon, the leader in most of the annual Consumer Reports ratings since 2003, was deposed by U.S. Cellular, which operates mostly in the South and Midwest, and is facing pressure from Sprint.

TOTAL RECALL

Lowe’s is recalling 11 million blinds and Roman shades following concerns that children could strangle on the cords of the products. The recall involves all styles and sizes of Roman shades and roll-up blinds sold by Lowe’s — about 6 million shades and 5 million roll-up blinds. The recalled shades and blinds were sold at Lowe’s stores, other retail stores and at www.lowes.com since at least 1999 through June of this year. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled products and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for repair kits at 800-506-4636 or visit www.windowcoverings.org.

 

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