Verizon vs AT&T
The mobile world is exploding. A constantly evolving technology, in just the past few years we saw the introduction of the iPhone, which changed mobile devices. Soon to follow we saw a surge in “smart phones” and 3G, and the competition of companies to dominate the wireless world.
Recently there has been an increase in advertising from Verizon chipping away at the evil empire that is AT&T. The new “There’s A Map For That” campaign has ruffled AT&T feathers to say the least. Hitting on just ONE of the many problems with AT&T’s service, their lack of infrastructure, and network coverage. They have actually delayed the iPhone from doing things that many loyal fans are screaming for, tethering, MMS (which was just recently made available).
These ads have upset AT&T so much that they are actually suing Verizon to stop the commercials.
Here is AT&T’s statement on the issue:
In essence, we believe the ads mislead consumers into believing that AT&T doesn’t offer ANY wireless service in the vast majority of the country. In fact, AT&T’s wireless network blankets the US, reaching approximately 296M people. Additionally, our 3G service is available in over 9,600 cities and towns. Verizon’s misleading advertising tactics appear to be a response to AT&T’s strong leadership in smartphones. We have twice the number of smartphone customers… and we’ve beaten them two quarters in a row on net post-paid subscribers. We also had lower churn — a sign that customers are quite happy with the service they receive.
Here are the commercials:
While this may be leaning the truth a little, it’s being said by iPhone users; me included. I have spotty service with 3G, sometimes glacial downloads, I actually turn my 3G off to avoid the terrible service.
Verizon did respond to A&T’s injunction by placing a disclaimer in the spots, but that still didn’t make AT&T happy saying
“…the ads still confuse non-technical viewers into thinking AT&T provides no service at all outside of its 3G coverage…”
I would prefer to see AT&T let their service speak, work on their coverage and network, to combat Verizon.
You can view the legal docs in the lawsuit here
