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AT&T Sues Verizon Over 'Misleading' TV Ads

Spots wrongly suggest a lack of coverage in large areas, it says

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 5:31 PM CST

(Newser) – AT&T went to court today to try to stop Verizon from mocking its wireless coverage in new TV commercials. The lawsuit contends that Verizon uses "misleading" maps to suggest that AT&T customers get no coverage at all in large swaths of the country. Verizon's "There's a Map for That" ads seek to capitalize on complaints that AT&T is struggling to keep up with rising demand from iPhone users and their many apps, notes the Wall Street Journal.

"Verizon knows we're the leader in smart phones," says an AT&T spokesman. "This whole campaign is a response to that." The ads used in the commercial suggest a total lack of coverage in spots, rather than just a lack of 3G coverage, says AT&T. Verizon calls the suit frivolous. "Our ads clearly explain that non-3G coverage is available elsewhere," says a spokesman.

AT&T isn't happy with Verizon's new TV ads.
AT&T isn't happy with Verizon's new TV ads.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
WhitEThunderE
Nov 6, 2009 6:05 AM CST
Damn straight, that thing looks awesome!
tomodachi
Nov 4, 2009 12:01 PM CST
Verizon does lack in the smart-phone department... and they do have better coverage... but I agree with ATT... the ads are misleading. A little more truth in advertising would be nice. If the lawsuit is to cease and desist... and not seeking monetary damages... then i'd say it's warranted.
ChickenChopper
Nov 4, 2009 5:48 AM CST
hmmm...sounds boring.

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