AT&T files suit against Verizon for its latest ad campaign

By on Nov 3, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Breaking November 3, 2009

phoenix-wright

No doubt most everyone has already seen Verizon’s “There’s a Map for That” ad campaign and had a good chuckle over it, but apparently the big wigs at AT&T are the only ones not laughing and have decided to sue Verizon. The logic behind the move? AT&T feels Verizon is attempting to deliberately mislead the public with its map comparing Verizon’s nationwide 3G coverage to AT&T’s limited 3G coverage. Granted all major cities and towns have AT&T 3G, but AT&T would really like Verizon to show its EDGE network, which according to AT&T spans 1.75 million square miles and reaches 256 million people, a little bit of love on the map. Cute move AT&T, but you might want to think about transferring some money from your legal budget to your network upgrade budget so you can bolster up your fledgling 3G network.Read

Tags:
, , , , , , , , ,
171 Comments

Related Articles

  • SatanoscillatemymetallicsonataS

    @ me & randomguy:

    Ok, if you all say so, but I call BS on your shit. I’ve worked retail, I’ll be the first to go off about idiotic people and their retardedness. But unlike most self-serving a-holes, I can step back and realize that for every ONE idiot customer I had to deal with, I probably met at least 25 other good ones that day that knew their shit or at least understood what was being told to them. It’s easy to create hyperbole and act like everyone is stupid because it’s the stupid ones you remember.

    But hey, if you insist… sure. It still works for me cause all it means is At&t is saying this:

    “WE’RE SUING VERIZON BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE FUCKING STUPID”

    At the end of the day, At&t still loses on this one no matter what.

  • http://www.modularfords.com Tampa03cobra

    I live in Tampa and for the most part their 3g coverage is pretty good speed wise.

    Although I didn’t realize this back when I was using a stupid Iphone 3g. Once I picked up a phone with a decent internal antenna (Nokia 5800XM) I noticed that even out in the boonies (I live 30 minutes north of Tampa in north Pasco county) I’m still able to see 1800kbps when tethering

    Now I use the Iphone as a PMP by tethering it to the Nokia 5800 via wifi.. all the fun of the I phone with the reception of the nokia.

    Though yes, at Stetson law school, the coverage is horrible. You randomly drop calls (coverage will go from full 3g to 0… then back to full 3g) just long enough to drop your call.

    ATT definitely needs to work on their coverage and on their phone selection, so sick of them avoiding far superior hardware because of their silly Iphone. It’s outdated technology with it’s laughably low resolution screen and junk 5 year old cellphone cam.

    HD2, N900, Xperia, HTC Dragon (android anything?), droid ect ect…

    Everyone has a sweet new flagship phone… and ATT is stuck with the fagship Iphone.

  • Randomguy

    First off more bars in more places is always shown with “based on global coverage” wich is true I haven’t even seen that argued by big red. Atts 3g has been tested and has been proven to be alot faster then big reds. And the map is misleading to the point of showing 3g an no other data connection. Poeple will think it won’t work else where they are not all “cell geeks” like us, please take that phrase lightly.

    And the price of the data plan bieng 30 just like wert other data plan what’s the issue? Wether you have 3g or not is not the issue your paying for unlimited data it’s the same cost on all the PDAs poeple just like to complain when life ain’t perfect every is reletivly rediculouse. I don’t live in a 3g area an I understand how it works ill be happy when ido get 3g until then il bide my time.

    I also refuse to believe that big reds whole network is 3g seems a little outlandish

    • JW

      Around 99% of it is see big red actually invested money in their NETWORK. At&t spends it on lawsuits with no merit that is why. Now At&t is mad at big red so they want to sue them when in all respect at&t did it to them selves.

      • PlainJane

        It’s pretty funny how big red is being hailed as this wonderful network when 40% of ports to AT&T were big red customers. Oh, AT&T declared higher earnings than expected this quarter and almost $40 billion spent to network alone. Oh, and ETF remains $175 and prorates, advance phone or not.

      • JW

        One plain jane know what the hell you are talking about before you talk your unknown info.

        The raised ETF on advanced phones was so it could prevent people from buying the phone paying the 175 (say spending around 300 all together) and then turn around and sell it on ebay for 600 dollars MOST people will not cancel their contracts so raising it isnt a big deal.

        AT&T has ALWAYS lacked as far as their network compared to verizon the verizon ad ISNT misleading AT&T is just filing a frivolous law suit and attracting more attention to how their network sucks.

        Verizon CAN handle all of the data and voice they have phones that have apps to download and internet and everything the iphone has the iphone now is three years old it is not any more superior now the ONLY reason it sells is because of apples following because of its computer sales and ipods (when I WOULDN’T pay 3,000 for a computer worth 1500 dollars)

        I also saw in an earlier post you said t-mobile should step up unfortunately consumer reports rated t-mobile as the WORST cell phone provider in the country.

      • PlainJane

        It will be a big deal especially for others like myself that actually uses some of the functionality of the phones. I have VZ for work but let me tell u that I’m not at all satisfied with it. Voice and Data is still debatable since its not working on my storm. Proven and tested thank you. I can only assume you work for VZ.

  • http://www.iunlock.com Aram O

    is their an App for lawyers

  • Jason

    what about USCC? are they better than AT&T? I am in Maine.

    • Orangefan

      Depends on what you mean by better. AT&T has good 3g coverage in the Portland area (York, Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties), but limited coverage north of Portland, depending on roaming for most areas. USCC is third in coverage to AT&T and VZ in Portland. North of Portland, USCC has the best network in the state, including widely available 3g. AT&T has better phones, USCC cheaper post paid plans.

      • Brad

        If USCC does have 3G, they really need to update their maps. Their website claims they have zero 3G west of Oklahoma City.

  • Jason

    Oh, and USCC just updated their site, so now I could get BB 9630 ( about time for better phones to show up on USCC site )

  • twitterific

    Verizon may have gone far this time, we couldn’t blame AT&T for filing a lawsuit, the video clearly is terribly misleading viewers about the truth. Anyway, I hope after this ordeal – Verizon can still create hilarious ads :D

    AT&T response: http://bit.ly/theres-a-lawsuit-for-that-said-by-att

  • Diabl0

    It’s been a while since we’ve seen these lawsuit again from telco companies (not to mention Nokia and Apple) – Now it seems even ads can make a multi-million dollar company go on a boiling point.

    At&T’s reply: http://bit.ly/theres-a-lawsuit-for-that-said-by-att

  • blah

    Instead of suing, AT&T should of created a counter ad that asks… “Where can you use your phone, and continue to use your 3G connection for data?” then show the AT&T 3G map, and a blank map for VZW. With the tag, “There’s no map for that.”

    • JW

      that makes no sense verizons voice network is larger than its 3G coverage area at&t can not compete with it that is why they are suing they are mad unfortunately the suit has no merit and will likely be thrown out. Who knows one multi million dollar companies lawyers fighting with another should be fun

      • blah

        @JW, my point was that Verizons network does not allow simultaneous voice and data on it’s network. So if you are stuck on a two hour conference call, you can’t go off and send/receive any data.

    • JR

      Great, so you got an iPhone and your on AT&T….we know the iPhone does not tether and cannot mutli-task so where is the advantage? Also, it is a FACT that AT&T’s network is not at reliable as VZW and EVEN Sprint’s…think maybe it’s because they are allowing voice and data usage simultaneously? Listen, VZW is launching LTE beginning 2010, once LTE is out this becomes a mute point….so what advantage does AT&T offer me?

      • blah

        I know that iPhone doesn’t multi-task user apps, but it does for it’s own apps… so making a call and browsing works… or send receive email too while on call.

      • blah

        @JR, the term is “moot point”, not “mute point”, if it were mute we wouldn’t have to hear your lame Verizon ass-kissing.

      • JR

        LOL…BLAH, how many times did you have to read this to catch that? You’re funny :)

        One can make the same argument about you kissing AT&T’s ass…at least when I go to make a call I know that my call will be completed and stay connected until I end the call. Facts are facts Blah…and fact is AT&T has arguably one of the WORSE networks in the US. That has been proven by third party consumer reviews channels. Nothing you can say can change that sorry. Tell you what, why don’t you go visit Hulu and search Jimmy Fallon. They did a nice spot on the Droid…notice the first 30-45 seconds are them talking about AT&T.

        The iPhone is an AWESOME device, no question. The network it’s on just flat sucks. Tell you what, why don’t you post some facts about how AT&T has a better network than VZW, Sprint or T-Mobile….I will take a review showing they out performed any of them. Good luck searching :)

    • PlainJane

      Oh, so funny! Wonder if we can pitch that to corporate.

    • Dan

      Too many other comments. TL DR, however it’s painfully obvious that cellular data is not available during phone calls. Ask any iPhone user. It’s a fact of life.

  • Maria

    Hahahaha! I love the picture of Phoenix Wright! Who picked that??? Hilarious!

  • Bamaman6985

    Yes, AT&T’s 3G may be faster than Verizon’s but your lucky to have 3G service with AT&T. I will give AT&T props on their EDGE coverage. In the rural area where I live AT&T dominates with it’s EDGE

  • Chase

    I have att in WV and it puts verizon to shame. When my mom visits she cant even get a signal. I have no problems with att. I know if i switch then i wouldnt have service!!!!!

  • Brett

    When I visited Washington DC, I had coverage on Sprint (lol!) and all my iPhone friends were *****ing about not having service. none at all. suckas!

    Don’t act so butt hurt ATT. If it weren’t for your shiney iPhone, not even the teenagers would like you

  • Noble Italia

    For those of you that are doubting Verizon Network; you have absolutly no clue as to what that company has devoted to their CDMA service area! Verizon was investing 4 Billuion dollars back into their network while AT&T was still spending millions trying to decide weather or not they wanted to be calle Cingular or AT&T. If you have any real merit with regards to Wireless, you would know that Verizon is truly light years ahead of any domestic Wireless carrier. Verizon’s 3G map is exactly that! BIG and RED! AT&T removed their respective 3G map as a result of becoming the laughing stock not only in wireless but in the tech world as a whole. More bars in more places? Let’s be honest, they have a good device (iphone) other than that what else can the boast over Verizon? Your turn!

    • blah

      Hmmm let’s see…

      1) faster speeds
      2) simultaneous voice and data over 3G
      3) 100,000 apps on iPhone
      4) worldwide GSM standard
      5) nationwide wi-fi hot-spot network (free to it’s wireless and wired internet customers)

      • JR

        1) faster speeds
        2) simultaneous voice and data over 3G -
        My question back is what good is this so called “fast network” when it is the most UNRELIABLE of all carriers? Even US Cell has a better, more reliable network than AT&T….think offering data and voice calls simultaneously might have an impact? Don’t agree…here’s a good article for you

        http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2009155

        3) 100,000 apps on iPhone -
        True, Apple has done an excellent job of marketing their product. Remember, Apple is not happy with AT&T…as a result of their poor network amongst other things…too many articles to include for you to read on this. Love the device, the network just flat sucks.

        4) worldwide GSM standard -
        Currently it is, LTE is the future and VZW is setting the standard of what everyone’s LTE network should be. Advantage VZW. 2010 initial launch will begin; expected completion 2013…AT&T hasn’t even begun testing yet. World is changing and AT&T is just about to upgrade HSPA. Hmmm.

        Finally, here is a new coverage map for you AT&T fans: This link provides what AT&T wants VZW to show on their commercials. The BLUE areas are their true 3G coverage….if you look close you will all clearly see that this IS the same map used in the commercials. They just added the Orange to confuse you all…they are marketing a 3G phone that only works on a 3G network in a fraction of US cities. Odd, I could not zoom all the way out….what the heck is AT&T hiding???? So point is the commercials are a like for like comparison. Truth sometimes hurts, but it’s still the truth :)

        http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/#?type=voice&3g=t&lat=37.40253100000001&lon=-96.4870565&sci=1

        5) nationwide wi-fi hot-spot network (free to it’s wireless and wired internet customers) -
        True advantage AT&T. I suppose for some this could be a big deal. Especially when you are with a carrier with a sub-par and highly unreliable network, Wi-Fi is a must.

      • blah

        I love people who respond by saying what the other doesn’t have… but can’t say what verizon offers that at&t does.

        As far as LTE goes, Verizon MUST change before the rest of the world since it’s on the least compatible network today.

      • PlainJane

        Actually, AT&T spent 20 billion last year and 18 billion this year. $4 billion you said for big red? Oh, and by the way, the name changed back to AT&T more than 4 years ago. The lawsuit is about misleading customers that if they have AT&T, the wont have any coverage with AT&T. Seriously, does anyone even know the difference between 3g and 2g? If I were to get a BB 8320 and an iphone, even your ‘droid”, will you really know the difference in speed? Quite honestly, the speed on my sister in laws storm vs my ATT curve is exactly the same. How do I know, we both use the navigator on both phones and there is not a single glitch or hint of “slowness” on my EDGE-unning-curve. Oh, by the way, no one can call, text or email her while using the nav while I was playing brickbreaker and texting. If LTE is coming, then great job verizon but until the whole world switch to that from GSM, its like telling the whole world that they need to start measuring in inches instead of meters.

      • JW

        That map is just confusing I love how AT&T also colored in where they have NO service too confuse everyone. these other people here arguing with you probably have at&t and have NO CLUE as to how terrible their provider is.

    • janet

      all of this debating about wireless services has got to be one of the most amusing and comical reading i’ve done in a while. keep up the good work. im certainly enjoying.

  • http://(null) latinjersey

    For all you folks boasting about VZW and LTE, it seems you are unaware that LTE is a UMTS based technology. Now you tell me how your wonderful new droid will work in 2010 with VZW’s LTE network????

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

    • Null0byte

      You seem to be under the impression that come 2010 VZW will completely drop CDMA and switch over to LTE cold turkey.

      Yes, LTE is a direct progression of UMTS.

      No, VZW will not be dropping CDMA completely for a good while.

      What will likely happen is that VZW will begin turning up LTE alongside CDMA. As the percentage of LTE-based customers grows over CDMA-based customers, they will gradually begin turning down the CDMA towers and upgrading those towers to LTE to improve that coverage. This is not instantaneous, so phones purchased today will CONTINUE working for a good while longer.

      In addition to this, Ericcson and Nortel had announced a while back that they had figured out a way to have LTE perform a direct and on-the-fly handoff/fallback between LTE and EVDO/1X. So, likely the first few iterations of LTE-based handsets will have both sets of radios in the device to allow the device to work in areas not served by LTE, which would ensure that new phones have a good amount of coverage alongside CDMA-only phones.

      From what I’ve read so far regarding the move to LTE, this would make the most logical and practical approach.

      • JR

        Nice points. Also, VZW has already successfully handed off a call from LTE to CDMA, this was done earlier this summer. And to the person that was hoping AT&T would launch LTE in 2010, sorry ain’t gonna happen. AT&T is planning on beginning testing in 2010. Their first priority in 2010 is to expand and improve their existing 3G network to a hybrid 3.5G.

        The last article I read about VZW has them expecting to launch about 25-30 markets in 2010 with full launch by 2013. Expect their first devices on LTE to be aircards and the like, then my guess would be an LTE/CDMA phone….maybe even an LTE iPhone???

    • Dave

      LTE phones can ride the CDMA network as well as a UMTS so why would VZW all of a sudden turn it off?

      With a new LTE phone you’d be able to join an initially small LTE 4G network and still be able to depend on VZW massive CDMA network.

      What will be really interesting is since both VZW and AT&T are going LTE that would mean that a LTE phone on either network (if you include roaming) would essentially have the same network.

      • JR

        No. VZW and AT&T would have their own networks and their phones would be set to receive their signal only. Roaming agreements between carriers are always possible (it is today as well) but if you activate on AT&T LTE, you would be on their network only, just like today.

        Here is some good news for us consumers and the freedom of choice. I have heard that the FCC has written it in that when LTE comes and becomes the standard, all LTE phones must be able to be activated on any carriers network. Don’t know how true that is, but if it is that is awesome. If this happens, we choice the phone and the the network we would want.

  • jonnie

    I have verizon and live in GA. The ad shows all of Ga with verizon is 3g this is very miss leading because I do not have 3g with verizon where I live or anywhere near where i live and i am 30 miles outside of atlanta and the only 3g I get is in atl but the map shows all of GA is 3G. Although ATT service may not work everywhere it does work alot more places than this ad claims by Verizon. This is definitely a damaging ad to ATT and obviously extremely unrealistic by verizon not showing AT&T edge network but shows that they have full 3g coverage almost every where

  • kev
  • JARED

    AT&T IS AN OLD SLOW NETWORK WITHOUT THE SPEED WE NEED IN TODAY’S DEVICES. THEY SUE WHEN THEY SHOULD BE PUTTING THEIR PROFITS INTO THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE.

    I GOTTA GIVE IT TO ATT’S MARKETING GROUP– THEY HAVE ARGUABLY THE WORST NETWORK, SOMEHOW MANAGED TO GET THE IPHONE, AND TO TOP IT OFF THEY ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE CARRIER OUT!

    I HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR T-MOBILE AS THEY HAVE A DATED NETWORK AND ACKNOWLEDGE IT WITH REASONABLE PRICING.

    ONE MORE COMMENT — YOU KNOW THE WORLD IS A CRAZY PLACE WHEN SPRINT WHO HAS ARGUABLY A GREAT COVERAGE/DATA SPEED NETWORK AND CAN’T MAKE A PROFIT. SOME OF US HERE WILL EVEN SLAM SPRINT– DOESN’T MAKE SENSE WHEN THEY SURELY HAVE A BETTER NETWORK/COVERAGE DATA SPEEDS FOR MOST OF US THAN ATT, TMOBILE— AND TOP IT OFF THEY PUT LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH BACK IN OUR POCKETS EACH MONTH.–AND NOW EVEN HAVE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

    YOU WANT TO SEE A BETTER WORLD?! HERE IS THE ANSWER: AN IPHONE ON THE SPRINT NETWORK. BETTER YET, APPLE IN ALL THEIR VISION FORESEEING A NEED FOR THEIR OWN NETWORK AND PURCHASING SPRINT FOR A STEAL!

    WE KNOW WIMAX TO LTE IS NOT COST PROHIBITIVE, AND MAINLY SOFTWARE TWEEKS– MAKE THE PURCHASE APPLE! GET YOUR OWN GREAT NETWORK FOR A STEAL AND BRING YOUR CUSTOMER/BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY TO SPRINTS NETWORK FOR YOUR SUPERIOR PRODUCTS!

    UNTIL THEN, I’LL BE SATISFIED WITH RUMORS THE IPHONE IS COMING TO VERIZON :)

  • victoria

    We all know that AT&T service is now on a plummet but we also need to settle the facts first and see the side of AT&.

    Updates: ATT had recently released a statement why they are suing Verizon. May the “there’s a misinterpretaion for that that” image help you to understand better why AT&T is having a boiling-point over the matter.

    detailed sources: http://bit.ly/ATT-VS-VERIZON-Theres-a-misinterpretation-for-that

    Hint: The conflict is about not including AT&T’s Zedge 2.5G on the picture :D

    Flame-on!

  • Diabl0

    All is fair in ads and war! As Verizon stated on their counter affidavit: “We are just telling the truth and the truth hurts” Seeing the minced version of the 53 page statement of Verizon.

    I must say, I could be on the side of Verizon especially when the edge 2.5G of AT&T should not be really included on the map, because we are talking about 3G! not 2.5G! and the speed of EDGE vs 3G of Verizon is relatively slower

    detailed review AT&T VS VERIZON: http://bit.ly/Verizon-is-just-telling-the-truth-and-the-truth-hurts

  • Samuel rodriguez

    It’s ok AT&T , vwz hate day , make AT&T pay day … Those red loser 1st didt want the iPhone now there beg for it … AT&T says no … Now the hate it. … Maps don’t tells the whole story dude …… :(

    • JW

      Unfortunately you don’t know a thing Apple is DROPPING at&t and moving to verizon the iphone will be available by Christmas 2010. Apple is doing this because of the ads. The map does tell the whole story you CANT claim to be the fastest 3G network when you hardly have a 3G network.

  • Ka El

    These were interesting comments. My iPhone is great! Whenever I meet Verizon or Sprint folks they are complaining about their service. However, everytime I go online Verizon folks seem cult like in their praise for Verizon. Is Verizon paying folks to write negative comments online. If so, I’d like to apply for some of that money. Verizon sucks! If they did not suck their customers would be more pleasant. If Verizon was so great they would not come up with a gimmick per week to try to keep up. By the way, did I say that Verizon sucks! AT&T stop this suit. The iPhone speaks volumes. Wait for the upgraded iPhone coming summer 2010. Droid done! iPhone does! Welcome back boss!

  • Pingas

    The cellular industry.

1 2 3 4
blog comments powered by Disqus