AT&T memo responds to Verizon ads

posted by Alan F. / Nov 13, 2009, 5:04 PM

AT&T has responded to Verizon's television ads with a memo. According to the carrier, 303 million people-97% of the U.S. population-are reached by AT&T's wireless service. Of that figure, 233 million or 75% of the nation's population, can receive AT&T's 3G service. The carrier's 2.5G service, known as EDGE, reaches more than 96% of Americans or 301 million people. With 3G and EDGE, customers can surf the web, send e-mail, text, download music and pictures and more. The difference between the two is that on some data applications, 3G is faster than EDGE. AT&T also points out that their GPRS service reaches 303 million people and can be used for e-mail, talk, and to receive some mobile web sites.

In an effort to put Big Red on the defensive, the memo states that AT&T is the #1 location for smartphones and says that it has twice as many smartphone customers than Verizon. In the most serious blow to the nation's number one carrier, AT&T points out that unlike Verizon, AT&T smartphones (or should it be the singular form-smartphone) are the most popular in the industry with the biggest selection of apps. Finally, AT&T points out that it has the fastest 3G network in the U.S. and that Verizon customers, limited by CDMA, cannot talk and surf the web or write e-mail at the same time.

Hey guys, words can hurt. Well, both words and t.v. ads anyway. Should Verizon and AT&T now stop as both have managed to get their licks in? If you were Verizon, what would be your next move? To read AT&T's response, click on the sourcelink.

source: AT&T

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38 Comments

1. Kiltlifter

Posts: 742; Member since: Dec 11, 2008

If i were VZW i would ignore this add, as it still doesn't squelch what they are saying in their newest (whether it be foolish or childish) market attack against AT&T. Yes CDMA is limited by not allowing data and voice to be complete at the same time, but how many people relaly want to talk and browse the web at the same time? Video calling is used by less than 5% of all AT&T's subscribers, and it costs more for right now. AT&T's has potentially faster 3G coverage than VZW, but in a smaller market, and the 3G is bogged down by the super high use of data with the iPhone. AT&T needs to shut VZW up by making their 3g network bigger, not faster. Putting the "carriage before the horse" gets you no where. Becuase VZW has invested in their 3G market waaay more than AT&T they are in a better way to position that leverage against AT&T. And with the larger market comes a larger saturation for revenue, which has allowed VZW to invest more in LTE which will be waaay faster than HSPA when available. VZW will probably have LTE in a larger market before AT&T finishes implementing their HSPA to match what VZW's EVDO Rev-A does now, and even before AT&T starts building their LTE network. I think AT&T needs to abandon their current 3G growth and focus on 4G or they will be in a world of hurt. Basically AT&T needs to go toe-to-toe with VZW with LTE in order to shut VZW up and VZW needs to stop talking jabs at the iPhone and start throwing their weight at Apple and stop beating around the bush if they want the phone. Like i have said before, I don't like Apple products at all, but there are many that do and use them well. To each their own.

posted on Oct 20, 2010, 1:44 AM 0

16. hmcougar09

Posts: 137; Member since: Jan 25, 2009

The iPhone can't even multi-task! What now?

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 10:01 PM 0

25. zerovampire311

Posts: 42; Member since: Jun 22, 2009

Think about it though, in most backwoods areas where there isn't 3g access, most people don't use their phones for internet access anyways. Not to say there aren't any, but why spend hundreds of millions on new towers when only a small percentage of the population will use it? It's great and all that Verizon has put so much into their network, and I use VZW myself, but I don't see why the bashing on AT&T just being smart with their money?

posted on Nov 14, 2009, 9:26 AM 0

34. JC_Agga

Posts: 36; Member since: Aug 24, 2009

guys guys... we live in capitalist country. When competitions are great, especially in these kinds of economy, it's great to distance your self from your closest rival/enemy, which is At&t in this case. If Verizon wants to really survive this hard time, i think they are making a right choice with attacking their #2 largest network at&t. Competition is great, and that makes us a capitalist country.

posted on Nov 15, 2009, 1:52 AM 0

37. VZWsucks

Posts: 19; Member since: Sep 09, 2009

yes it can if your iphone is jailbroken

posted on Nov 16, 2009, 10:26 AM 0

2. rafise

Posts: 7; Member since: Oct 08, 2009

Is the ads from verizon are talking about 3G data coverage or EDGE ? hmmm let me see, AT&T claim that they are the faster 3G network and there not, tmobile on EDGE is almost the same. and one more thing I know why they are so slow on the network is because they use to remove wi-fi from there phone to make people pay data plan and look now.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 5:25 PM 0

4. JackFace

Posts: 190; Member since: Nov 03, 2009

1.2 mbps 1.4 mbps 957 kbps 1.2 mbps... My 3G works great! Thanks.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 6:25 PM 0

9. theelysium

Posts: 48; Member since: Nov 13, 2009

AT&T 3G Current Speeds: 1079 down 144 up On a phone call while testing: 1023 down 144 up

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:19 PM 0

15. vzw fanman

Posts: 1977; Member since: Dec 11, 2008

i got 425 diwn 202 up.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 8:54 PM 0

38. Fanboys Suck

Posts: 609; Member since: Dec 12, 2008

That Sucks! haha!

posted on Nov 16, 2009, 12:27 PM 0

3. The Doc

Posts: 122; Member since: Dec 11, 2008

If I were Verizon Wireless, I wouldn't give a damn. They say that a percentage of customers "can" receive 3G service. But how many customers actually do? At&t is worried as Verizon has finally taken the gloves off and is using the network to explicitly explain the difference between the two companies. T-Mobile is in a good position because it doesn't claim any fame on its network and its coverage is similar to At&t's. Go figure...

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 6:05 PM 0

5. macron2000

Posts: 81; Member since: Sep 07, 2009

I used both voice and data together often. VZW customers can't appreciate the value of it becasue they have never been able to experience it. 3G coverage for me in Florida and the Carolinas works great. Tethering is fast, and surving the web on my TP2 is reliable. VZW has great voice coverage for the most part. But when I combine voice and data, ATT is a better service for me, understanding that this may not be the case for everyone. I don't use an I-Phone, but find the PDA's on ATT to be excellent. And, by the way, Tmobile has even larger gaps in their coverage in the areas in which I live and work. Again, its a matter of preference and what works best for the individual. No fan boy stuff. No need to down someone else's service or provider. The better they all compete, the more we the customers can benefit.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 6:37 PM 0

6. prettyboy1974

Posts: 56; Member since: Mar 16, 2009

I'm calling BS, you don't talk and use data at the same time and if you do what for? No one can appreciate it cause it's, well...dumb. If you love AT&T fine that is your purgative but please don't make up shit to prove a point, furthermore you say you don't have an Iphone so I'm really curious to know what your doing with data and voice at the same time.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:02 PM 0

12. Doakie

Posts: 2478; Member since: May 06, 2009

I've used voice and data at the same time on my G1. While I'm making phone calls to sub contractors or back into the office I'll look up info about another supplier, or I'll be surfing the internet reading phone reviews. It actually does come in handy for business.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:34 PM 0

13. Fanboys Suck

Posts: 609; Member since: Dec 12, 2008

Cool... Call BS. Macron is absolutely right, you couldn't appreciate it... at all. Call your BS on something you have never had the ability or pleasure doing. Go try it sometime... BS... Psh... haha.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:56 PM 0

19. special-child

Posts: 3; Member since: Nov 13, 2009

Ill call BS on this because over the summer I took a road trip for NJ to Florida and not only did I not have 3G coverage in the Carolinas and major parts of Florida, I was also missing EDGE service as well. ATT just sucks and anyone living in Jersey or NYC can tell u that since there are times you get full service and yet the network doesn't work. I had the iPhone which is the best phone ever but gave it up for the Tour on Verizon since now I'm paying for a service that always works.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 10:23 PM 0

27. VZW

Posts: 24; Member since: Nov 02, 2009

@macroon2000. And you wonder why AT&T has so many problems with their network. They don't have enought backhual to support all of this in many areas. Guess what! VZW customers CAN appreciate it all we want! We don't have to worry about getting slow data speeds, dropped calls, and 3G dead zones. Also, if you have a WiFi phone, you can placce a call and use data at the same time. Over all, most people don't care.

posted on Nov 14, 2009, 10:07 AM 0

7. theelysium

Posts: 48; Member since: Nov 13, 2009

I use voice and data all the time. If you don't see it's value, It's cuz you don't know how to use your phone and your technologically inept. AT&T is justified for the suit... Go AT&T

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:08 PM 0

14. Numz

Posts: 34; Member since: Oct 31, 2009

Justified for the suit?...How do you figure. I'm not a fanboy of either but i respect the fact that people have the right to tell the facts how they are without stupid litigation getting in the way. This isn't about which network is faster or which network can do voice and data at the same time. The whole thing started because Verizon made a claim that their 3G network is larger and covers more area, that's it point blank. Its no different then AT&T claiming they have the fewest dropped calls which from my understanding a ton of Iphone users get dropped calls especially in heavily populated areas. If people aren't allowed to point out what makes their service better than the competitor then whats the point of advertising. Besides if you stupid AT&T fanboys would get your head out of your butts you realize that this type of bad publicity might make your beloved AT&T step up to the plate and make improvements. Take for example...For years AT&T has claimed that Verizon has had a poor offering of smart phones and I agree and lots of people have also agreed and now Verizon is finally started to offer things that people want. When you continue to make claims that are true eventually the business has to start listening or its going to hurt them sooner then later. Let the commercials air, let AT&T get a little bad publicity. AT&T needs to make improvements which means there will be competition and in the end the consumer wins.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 8:43 PM 0

17. theelysium

Posts: 48; Member since: Nov 13, 2009

The map they show for AT&T is their 3G only map from 2008. The current 2009 map has more coverage, because AT&T has expanded since the 2008 map was released. AT&T's current 3G map is close to the same coverage as Verizon's 3G map in the heavier populated areas. Also, in the commercials Verizon shows you their 3G + Digital coverage map. If they wanted to show that they should have also included AT&T's 2G map over lapping their 3G. They also elude in the commercials that the user of the iPhone has no service at all unless he is with in the 2008 3G coverage areas and in the white areas he is service-less. Verizon is hitting below the belt, because they have a crapy mandated cell phone OS, a poor selection of inferior handsets and a 3rd world network. CDMA = has been! What's the point of having a smart phone that can't take phone calls and use data services at the same time?

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 10:06 PM 0

18. theelysium

Posts: 48; Member since: Nov 13, 2009

Don't get me wrong I am all for some good advertising and companies taking the gloves of, but to swing the facts like Verizon has it's just bad business.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 10:08 PM 0

20. secondcor517

Posts: 94; Member since: Oct 06, 2008

if you look at the fine print, it says the map is from aug 2009, not 2008.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 11:02 PM 0

21. Truth

Posts: 62; Member since: Jul 15, 2009

You can go to at&t and check their 3g coverage map and then compare it to Verizon's 3g coverage map and see for yourself. At&t isn't suing cause the maps are wrong. They know the maps are right they are suing because people like you do not know the difference between 3g and voice coverage and if judging by some of the responses in this forum they may have a case if people are that uneducated. If you have never traveled the country with Verizon 3g coverage or any of their services then it is understandable to not believe that cell coverage can be that good.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 11:13 PM 0

30. vzwtechbill

Posts: 175; Member since: Mar 16, 2009

"Also, in the commercials Verizon shows you their 3G + Digital coverage map" Hate to tell you, but the entire VZW network is digital. Cell phone companies and cable companies are having to go all digital to free up bandwith, hence the DTV Transition. Those maps are APPLES to APPLES. AT&T just doesn't like that their apple is 1/5 the size of VZW. Go towww.vzw.com/coverage, punch in a zip, and you can see the differences between "Broadband" (3G) and "Extended" (2.5G). Then go tohttp://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/ and use the legend on AT&T's maps, then stuff it.

posted on Nov 14, 2009, 4:23 PM 0

8. blackirish24

Posts: 15; Member since: Dec 24, 2008

I would respond with a 2g coverage map for the United States, Customer satisfaction surveys from 3rd party companies, and point out that LTE comes out in a few months. Wouldn't file for court litagation to stop them from posting anything that can be backed by the truth. At&t is a great company....Verizon is a great company. The consumers have proved it. Each company has benefits that are better than the other. If one was sooo much better with (put something here). Then only one carrrier would have all the customers......

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:18 PM 0

10. Windsponge

Posts: 97; Member since: Nov 01, 2009

I would just like to say it's funny as long as Att boast it is ok when Verizon turns the table they cry. I have bought the last two I Phones.3gswould lose signal but would show full bars. I had to reset phone just to make or recieve call. Wether phone or network I dont care if you didn't catch it you might be with out phone for hours. I bought Droid and at least I am not missing calls and can call when I want with out resitting. I won't buy another I phone because this last one was to much trouble.Plus att will not let you down load a lot of apps due to size on edge or 3g. Crybabys have lost me as a customer.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:19 PM 0

11. Doakie

Posts: 2478; Member since: May 06, 2009

Well we all have heard the back and forth between AT&T and Verizon, each has their claim to fame. The one thing that always jumps to mind for me is the story on the 30% dropped call rate in New York on the iphone. http://gizmodo.com/5370493/apple-genius-bar-iphones-30-call-drop-is-normal-in-new-york So with a reputable source like the "Apple Genius'" stating that fact, they seem to be throwing AT&T under the bus of consumer satisfaction. I havent heard any claims like that against Verizon. If anyone knows of a claim please post it in a reply and I'll stand corrected. Also dont call me a Verizon fanboy, cus I have a Tmobile G1 and a Centro on Sprint. So i couldnt really care less about this squabble.

posted on Nov 13, 2009, 7:31 PM 0

22. ggp unregistered

VZW just needs to get the iphone and put ATT out of their misery

posted on Nov 14, 2009, 12:49 AM 0

28. VZW

Posts: 24; Member since: Nov 02, 2009

It will be out in 2010 for sure. We got something from corp yesterday on it.

posted on Nov 14, 2009, 10:08 AM 0

23. Phullofphil

Posts: 1747; Member since: Feb 10, 2009

i was going to read all this stuff but cant get past more than two sentences. ALl i know is that with verizon i dont have to stay in one spott for good reception and another thing why would you be talking on the phone and be on the internet at the same time. The iphone cant even tether and i dont think can even multitask.

posted on Nov 14, 2009, 3:55 AM 0

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