AT&T Files Complaint Against Verizon Over 3G Coverage Map Commercials
Engadget reports that AT&T has filed suit against Verizon over recent Verizon ads touting its national 3G network by comparing its coverage to AT&T’s 3G network using the iPhone-inspired tagline “There’s a map for that.” The complaint requests an injunction preventing Verizon from depicting non-3G coverage areas in AT&T’s network as “blank” spaces on maps in its advertising, as well monetary damages suffered by AT&T due to the advertising campaign.
AT&T’s complaint stems from its belief that the ads mislead potential customers into thinking that AT&T provides no coverage outside of its 3G areas, while the vast majority of areas not covered by AT&T’s 3G network are in fact covered by the company’s 2.5G network that offers essentially the same experience as the 3G network, albeit at slower data speeds.
In response to a direct contact from AT&T, Verizon has altered the ads to remove an “out of touch” label for blank areas of maps depicting AT&T’s 3G coverage and inserted a phrase at the end of the ads stating that voice and data services are available outside of the 3G coverage area in small font. The change, however, has not satisfied AT&T.
The move is certainly not unusual for AT&T and Verizon, as the two companies have faced off several times in the past over what each side has claimed as false or misleading advertising. Earlier this year, the two companies clashed over Verizon’s claim of possessing “America’s Most Reliable 3G Network”.
Via macrumors.com
November 7th, 2009 at 8:04 am
I am only on att for the iphone. I dont live in a major market like Chicago where att puts 3g because it would benefit more people per sq. mile. I live outside the city limits of a small town and the only internet i can get are dial up, satellite, or verizon 3g. The verizon 3g has been here about two years and i have had a data card for about one. I would prefer Att 3g because it is about twice as fast, i just hope this ad campaign pushes att to get off their ass and start expanding their 3g.