Verizon Retakes Spot as Largest US Carrier

Information Week is reporting that Verizon Wireless has again regained the number one position for total direct retail subscribers according to market research firm IDC. The new figures once again put Verizon Wireless above rival AT&T/Cingular, who overtook Verizon when Cingular acquired AT&T Wireless in 2004.

IDC's latest research puts Verizon Wireless at 56.8 million retail subscribers, with AT&T/Cingular coming in a close second with 56.3 million. IDC's data also indicates that Verizon Wireless has retained its leading position for total wireless data revenue, though the numbers show that Sprint Nextel earns more wireless data revenue per subscriber than any other carrier.