In its legal rebuttal to AT&T’s claim, Verizon has stated, "AT&T did not file this lawsuit because Verizon's 'There's A Map For That' advertisements are untrue; AT&T sued because Verizon's ads are true and the truth hurts."
The Atlanta federal court Wednesday will hear the arguments over the latest ad campaign by Verizon. The ad, which began airing on TV Nov. 3, shows two maps, comparing the total geographical reach of 3G coverage for each carrier.
AT&T’s 3G coverage, depicted in the map with blue color, is clearly smaller compared to Verizon’s coverage area shown in red, highlighting that Verizon has five times more 3G coverage than AT&T.
AT&T claims ads are misleading
AT&T has not disputed the accuracy of Verizon's claim in the advertisement. Instead it has argued that the ads used by Verizon are misleading as it has led consumers to assume that AT&T provided no network coverage in areas marked as white.
In reality, the areas that are not covered by AT&T's 3G HSPA network are covered by 2G EDGE network. AT&T customers can use their phones and can access the wireless Net through the slower EDGE network.
In a lawsuit filed in the court, AT&T has stated that the ad has led it to lose "incalculable market share”.
Verizon’s argument to AT&T’s claim
Verizon has dismissed AT&T’s claims, and believes that AT&T has only filed the lawsuit to hide the truth of smaller 3G coverage provided by AT&T in comparison to other wireless carriers.
It has argued that its advertisement has simply highlighted the fact that AT&T has not invested enough to upgrade its 3G network across the nation. As a result, AT&T users are struggling to use applications on their mobile devices.
“AT&T may not like the message that the ads send, but this Court should reject its efforts to silence the messenger,” stated Verizon in its filing.
Readers’ reactions on Verizon-AT&T conflict
The latest clash between Verizon and AT&T has stirred quite a number of readers online. Majority of the readers have condemned AT&T move, and believe that instead of filing the lawsuit it should realize the truth and upgrade its service.
A reader named ATOBDavis posted his view on cnet news as, “Instead of spending uknown [sic] amounts of money (that i pay every month) fighting a legal battle, why not turn around and invest that money in upping the network. Like my old coach used to say...Dont shut them up by whining. Shut them up by winning.”
Another reader named Czarembo commented on usatoday.com, “AT&T is going to have to live with the reality. I'm one of those paying for 3G with no 3G access where I live. It's difficult to sympathize with a company which promises, but then doesn't deliver. Tough luck ATT.”
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