There's an attorney for that; AT&T sues Verizon over map ads
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The first version of Verizon's spot said that AT&T customers out of the blue 3G region were "Out of touch." After the carrier complained, the copy was changed and superimposed on the screen are words that say, "Voice and data services available outside 3G coverage areas." AT&T still feels that the ads are misleading and points to a survey done in a mall where 53% of those asked responded that they thought the maps showed that there was no AT&T service at all in the non 3G locations on the map. A Verizon spokesman, Jim Gerace, puts forth the argument that AT&T's own ads are misleading. "We believe this action by them calls into question the validity of their own claim of fastest 3G network," said Mr. Gerace. "They are misleading customers by inferring that the fastest 3G network is much bigger than the blue" area on the map. In response, Mark Siegel, an AT&T spokesman, said, "Verizon began this whole campaign largely in response to the fact that we are the leader in smartphones." The suit is being brought under the Lanham Act which bans trademark infringement and false advertisement.
source: NYTimes
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"There's a map for that!" |
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48 Comments
1. Trobes05 posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:44 0 0
This will go no where...its obviously says 3G on it. That doesn't mean they have to show a 2G map too.
16. *HOVA* posted on 04 Nov 2009, 13:21 0 0
I disagree. While it does say 3G, the commercial eludes that if they aren't in a 3G coverage area they get NO data coverage, which obviously is false. It would automatically revert to EDGE. Verizon obviously knows they are a little on the edge, becuase they already updated their commercial with a tiny text claimer at the end...
22. The Doc posted on 04 Nov 2009, 16:55 0 0
Really, *HOVA*!? Are we really so naive that although it clearly states "3G Coverage", Verizon Wireless is eluding to stating that you either ge 3G or nothing? You must be the fanboy of all fanboys with that terrible statement. And honestly, even though VZW didn't say it, if you're using an iPhone 3G specifically, we're educating those customers that the 3G branded device only gives you 3G coverage in very few areas. Verizon Wireless has finally taken the gloves off and is now on the offensive. Maybe At&t can hire another celebrity spokesperson to say otherwise! Stop wasting money on mediocre celebs and upgrade the network! VZW FTW and there's a map for that!
24. *HOVA* posted on 04 Nov 2009, 17:16 0 0
You can refer to my post #17. Just because the people on this forum get it, does't mean the millions of morons who see the commercial does. Nice try though.
27. tonyc_42 posted on 04 Nov 2009, 17:35 0 0
once again hova you amaze me with your ignorance
28. *HOVA* posted on 04 Nov 2009, 17:45 0 0
Once again, you're a follower of idiots with no real comment.
44. 20X0X0B545AHT posted on 07 Nov 2009, 15:21 0 0
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4 G >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
45. 20X0X0B545AHT posted on 07 Nov 2009, 15:22 0 0
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4 G >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
46. 20X0X0B545AHT posted on 07 Nov 2009, 15:23 0 0
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4 G >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2. BrokenImaege posted on 03 Nov 2009, 23:47 0 0
Really??? The maps clearly show 3G comparison. How do you compare 3G vs. 2G? It is why AT&T has to put in thier commercials with the IPhone 3G/3GS that 3G coverage is not in all areas..... What the maps are doing is clearly showing network diferences instead of phone differences and that is where AT&T loses and that is what they are afraid of......
47. 20X0X0B545AHT posted on 07 Nov 2009, 15:24 0 0
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4 G >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
3. E.N. posted on 03 Nov 2009, 23:57 0 0
Well it doesn't really matter what happens now. Even if AT&T wins the suit (which I think they will), the damage is already done and Verizon accomplished what they sought out to.
23. The Doc posted on 04 Nov 2009, 16:57 0 0
At&t doesn't have a case to win any suits. It's obvious that Verizon Wireless is comparing 3G Coverage and coverage alone. What could you possibly say that is false advertising!?
25. *HOVA* posted on 04 Nov 2009, 17:19 0 0
And you call ME a fanboy of fanboys?? Just because I can step back and look at things objectively and you can't doesn't make me a fanboy. I don't have AT&T so why would I be a fanboy of them exactly? That would be like calling you an Alltel fanboy when clearly you have VZW. That doesn't make sense, but your comments never really have so... Carry on!!
35. remixfa posted on 05 Nov 2009, 07:41 0 0
hova.. you do know that alltell and VZW are the same company now right? lol (minus a few rural mandated exeptions) look, this is just ATT striking while cornered in a true statement commercial. ATT has been sued left and right for their commercials (best 3g coverage, fastest network, most dependable network, on n on n on). ATT is known for .. "stretching the truth" in their adds. VZW, not so much. Now they are saying "best worldwide coverage" like you dont get charged extra for leaving the country.. The only Reason ATT is even in #2 spot is because of mergers and the iphone. VZW would have taken #1 even without the alltell merger, it would have just taken longer. Let ATT sue.. it just opens up the can of worms for more counter suits against ATT. Only tards are on ATT anyways. You get Tmobile coverage at VZW pricing. oooooooooooooooooooooh an iphone ooohhhh. (yes you can have your jesus phone on tmobile and pay half price)
4. Galen20K posted on 04 Nov 2009, 00:18 0 0
I completely agree with all of the above posters. Verizon is using smart marketing and THAT is what really scares ATT. HA! And you know almost everybody in the country has already seen the ads and agreed with them I'm sure so its a moot point even the WAY OUTSIDE chance ATT would even win a fight like this. We all already know.
5. Jyakotu posted on 04 Nov 2009, 04:24 0 0
But understand why AT&T is suing Verizon. Sure the commercial is saying 3G, but think about it. 1X and EDVO Rev A is also considered 3G by Verizon. AT&T never called it's EDGE network 3G, since it technically is, but they called it 2.5G. AT&T is angry because the map on the Verizon commercial leaves the viewer to believe that if their area isn't blue, they have no data coverage, even though they do. I know I'm going to get thumbbed down for my comment for defending my network, but I'm just looking at it from both points. I know that if I was an average customer that didn't know what 3G was, then I too would believe that since my area isn't blue that I wouldn't get data.
8. jundibasam posted on 04 Nov 2009, 07:28 0 0
Verizon says 1x and EVDO are 3G because their entire 1X network IS EVDO whereas AT&T has "dark blue and light blue" coverage areas for their 2G and 3G networks because not all of their 2G netwok offers 3G service. Its just sour grapes for AT&T. They have no other way to defend their coverage, but instead of spending all this money on a frivilous lawsuit, how about build a tower somewhere and beat Big Red the old fashion way...through real industry leading network coverage expansion. The whole purpose of this marketing campaign is a spoof on AT&T's commercials that claim their "i'm Bill Curtis, and I'm faster than Michael Phelps". Like VZW said, those commercials are more wildly misleading in making people think that 3G coverage is available everywhere. I think AT&T customers should get together and start a nice class action, Big Red should donate to the legal fund.
14. mechrock posted on 04 Nov 2009, 10:19 0 0
This is true to all that have no clue what 3g is. It was obvious to me and I'm sure many others that it was just comparing their (3G) Data coverage. Not any slower speed they might have. ATT is just fussing becuase they can. All Verizon has to do is put in fine text at the bottom of the commercial that say "These maps only repesent 3G data coverge, not the total coverage of the carrier." or something like that. ATT is just doing dirty work here. If they wanted to get back at Verizon then they should just make a Ad of their own. But there is one small problem they would be helping Verizon if they made a coverage map becuase it would just show the same thing, but add 2 or 2.5G coverage to the map. I hope one thing is that if they win the suit them I sure hope they use what ever they get to improve apon their network. I would lover to have an Iphone, but their Edge speeds all around me for at least a 100 miles are too slow for me. But Verizon on the other hand gets fast enough speeds where every for web browsing and even video stearming. When talking about phone coverge both carrier's are great, but when it comes to data coverage Verizon will always win. Spint even has the upper hand as well.
36. remixfa posted on 05 Nov 2009, 07:43 0 0
i love those bill curtis commercials.. i always go " SO THATS WHERE THEIR 3G COVERAGE IS!!" cuz you can never find it anywhere else.. LOL :)
