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AT&T Tells Verizon: Yeah, There's a Slap for That
Fri, 11/20/2009 - 11:50 by Motley Fool
Now that AT&T has been shot down in its attempts to get Verizon Wireless to take down its "there's a map for that ads" promoting greater 3G coverage, it's rolling out its own attack ads.
In the first spot, AT&T enlists Luke Wilson to give the carrier the nod over Verizon Wireless in the first of four categories:
- Nation's fastest 3G network.
- Talk and surf at the same time.
- Most popular smartphones.
- Access to more than 100,000 apps.
Verizon nabs the final category: Name that starts with the letter V.
It's a hokey ad, and it certainly isn't as damaging as the zinger that Verizon Wireless -- a joint venture between Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) -- put out a couple of weeks ago.
AT&T's campaign may also backfire if Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) opens up its iPhone availability to Verizon Wireless next year, as many expect. Half of those AT&T category kills are based on the carrier's exclusivity with Apple's iPhone.
However, it's important for AT&T to attack. The Verizon coverage map may be deceptive, given the country's population density, but it's sure to resonate with users. AT&T's refusal to back iPhone tethering and its overloaded networks are weighing heavy on its reputation. It has a lock on the iPhone -- as Verizon Wireless is down to pitching "buy one get one free" Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM) BlackBerry deals -- but the ill will is bubbling.
AT&T is right to attack, but sometimes the best offense is a good defense.
© 2009 UCLICK L.L.C.
