AT&T has been rated the worst wireless provider for the second year in a row according to a new satisfaction survey by Consumer Reports online subscribers. The survey polled over 66,000 wireless customers regarding service and customer support experience with standard and no-contract providers.

Among the four major US providers, Verizon scored the highest once again. Survey takers gave good marks to Verizon for texting and data service and staff knowledge. Sprint followed Verizon with a close second place rating. T-Mobile took home the bronze medal but was still significantly better than AT&T.

Paul Reynolds, electronics editor for Consumer Reports, says that the survey indicates that subscribers to prepaid and smaller providers are the happiest overall with their cell phone service. He notes, however, that these carriers aren't for everyone. Some are regional and prepaid carriers tend to offer few or no smartphones. The major carriers are still the leading option for many customers.

Outside of the four major carriers, a prepaid provider called Consumer Cellular was ranked best overall. Consumer Cellular offers no-contract plans starting at only $10.00 per month.

Earlier this year, Verizon once again beat out the three other major carriers in a J.D. Power and Associates survey. Verizon scored 770 out of 1,000 possible points while AT&T finished in last place with 751 points.

A full report from 22 metropolitan markets can be found in the January 2012 issue of Consumer Reports.