According to the 2026 Customer Phone Experience Report, a nationwide survey of more than 500 U.S. consumers, frustrating phone interactions are still costing businesses customers. Readers can explore the full survey dataset here.

A new survey of 519 U.S. consumers reveals that 76% have abandoned a business due to frustrating phone support, highlighting how hold times, voicemail, and poor service impact customer loyalty.

Thinking about using an AI answering service? Explore five essential scenarios where AI excels, learn the potential pitfalls, and discover practical preparation tips to ensure a smooth customer experience.

AI answering services help businesses handle calls 24/7 with automated, voice-enabled tech that can transfer to a human if needed. They offer cost savings, scalability, and better customer experiences than voicemails or basic IVRs. From salons to real estate, industries benefit from quick response, data insights, and time-saving features – all while keeping human backup on standby.