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There's a map for that--but, is it fair?
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AT&T is the exclusive carrier for Apple's iPhone
AT&T announced this week that it is suing rival Verizon over the use of a catchy phrase that makes for a great ad, but sheds a negative light on iPhone's exclusive carrier.
In a play on the popular "there's an app for that" ads introduced by AT&T last year, Verizon mockingly says "there's a map for that"--a map to show you all the regions supposedly not covered by AT&T's 3G service.
AT&T first complained that the new ads are deceptive because they suggest AT&T offers no coverage at all in the many blank regions on a large map featured in the commercial. Verizon says they attempted a compromise by adding a disclaimer indicating that regular coverage was available in the highlighted regions, just not 3G coverage. The compromise wasn't enough for AT&T, who is probably more upset by the use of the catch phrase than by what's shown or not shown on the map.
AT&T admits its 3G network is inferior to Verizon's but insists it still allows calls in most areas on the ad's map. The company says that's the reason they're demanding the ads be taken off the air.
AT&T's lawsuit says, in part:
AT&T's lawsuit says, in part:
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 296 million 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.
That all sounds quite nice, but the proof is in the pudding. Many iPhone users still feel imprisoned by their lack of choice in carriers, despite their love for the device itself. If you did a survey, most iPhoners would probably say they'd switch if given a choice.
See Verizon's controversial commercial:
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