Apple Joins AT&T Attacks on Verizon Ads
10:36 am, November 24th, 2009, Ed Sutherland
Apple Monday joined AT&T in its attempt to counter Verizon’s attack on both the iPhone and the handset’s exclusive carrier. In a series of prime-time ads, the Cupertino, Calif. company asked viewers: “can your phone and network do that?”
The two ads show the iPhone checking e-mail and movie listings while on a phone call. AT&T’s 3G GSM network is capable of multiple voice and data connections, an ability apparently lacking from Verizon’s CDMA network.
Verizon had directly challenged the iPhone by launching an ad campaign dubbed “iDon’t.” The ads claimed Verizon’s new Android 2.0-based Droid smartphones could accomplish tasks better than Apple’s handset. Later, Verizon stopped directly attacking the iPhone, later depicting the phone as a member of the mythical “Island of Misfit Toys”, it’s performance hampered by AT&T. The carrier claimed AT&T’s 3G network lacked sufficient coverage.
Although AT&T had sued Verizon, asking that the ads – including an earlier series of “Map” spots – be taken off the air, a judge recently summarily ruled against the Atlanta, GA-based carrier. In response, AT&T launched its own ads with actor Luke Wilson, claiming AT&T covered 97 percent of Americans.
This latest wrinkle in the AT&T versus Verizon ad war comes as analyst Brian Marshall claims AT&T will lose its exclusive deal with the iPhone in July 2010.
[Via AppleInsider, Engadget]
Posted by Ed Sutherland in News | Comment on this article
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Good, AT&T sucks. I’ve had them for about 6 months now, and its been nothing but a head ache and a disaster with customer “no” service now.
The iPhone is good whenever it decides to ring and let calls thru. There has been countless times when someone calls, they have to call 2-3 times just to get my phone to ring.
The call quality is disgustingly horrible, it sounds like talking into a tin can most them time.
We were supposed to have 3G in my area almost 4 years ago now, it still isn’t here, but it’s all around. Soon as this one-year contract is up, I’m outta here with it, because for almost $100 a month for a cell phone, this is 100% unacceptable service and coverage.
David McHenry, on November 24th, 2009 at 10:42 am
The only reason the iPhone’s AT&T exclusive is because they are the only shitty telco that would accept the fiscal reaming Apple deals for the iPhone in exchange for ridiing Apple’s coattails to recognition.
Now that the iPhone’s a smash hit, telnets will be falling all over themselves to accept Steve’s you-know-what the *moment* the Apple/AT&T deal expires.
The smart money’s on Verizon, but ya never know in this wacky, workaday communications business of ours ….
CaryMG, on November 24th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I am admittedly a whore for Apple. Love most products, and provide zero tech support time for wife and daughter, which makes the Apple ‘Premium’ paid worth every dollar to me.
On the other hand, AT&T blows. I live in a populous area, a state capital. Our MSA is 250,000 people, so there is no f###ing excuse for AT&T not to provide passable, much less acceptable service. Here at home, Verizon 5 bars, Sprint 5 bars, T-Mobile 4 bars, AT&T 0 (zero) bars. 3 miles by air from the state capital.
Memo to AT&T – When Sprint/Nextel kicks your ass, it’s time to quit the business.
Erin's Dad, on November 24th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I think that the two companies should stop ‘feuding’ because it seems unnecessary. AT&T and Verizon two of the most popular cell phone companies in the U.S and they shouldn’t have to throw ‘low-blows’ at each other to try to get better business. They also have different and good features so they should just leave it alone for that reason too. I can’t personally say which one is better because I’ve never used them but again, they should still just drop it.
Brandis, on November 24th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Categorizing these ads as “attacks” is ludicrous.
BTW, Ed, get an EDITOR:
“…it’s performance hampered by AT&T.”
should be:
“…its performance hampered by AT&T.”
“IT’S” ALWAYS means “IT IS.” Learn to write, get an editor, or remain a hack– it’s up to you.
Um no, on November 25th, 2009 at 9:45 pm