Judge Says Verizon's Ads are ''Sneaky'' but Allowable

The two largest wireless carriers in the U.S. are fighting it out in federal court over a series of TV ads. AT&T wants Verizon's latest commercials blocked, but a judge does not agree.

With the holiday shopping season looming, Verizon is trying to draw in customers with TV ads that point out one of its greatest strengths, its mobile broadband network. Commercials like "There's a Map for That" and "Misfit Toys" show maps comparing its 3G coverage area to its largest rival's, with Verizon's being visibly much larger.

These ads caused AT&T to file a lawsuit, arguing that these commercials are misleading potential customers. This carrier admits that Verizon's 3G coverage are is much larger, but AT&T's service still covers 233 million people or 75% of the U.S. population.  It does so by concentrating on heavily populated areas.

In addition, it points out that its 2.5G service is available for 301 million people, and while EDGE isn't as fast, it still offers the same basic features: wireless

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Batten Sr. listen to these arguments, but wasn't persuaded. He pointed out that while it's possible for customers to misunderstand Verizon's commercials, that doesn't mean they are misleading.

The judge ruled that Verizon's TV ads can continue to run.

Still, AT&T will get another day in court on December 16, where it will be able to make its arguments again.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution