--- update 11/24/07 ---

Now, Apple joins the fray with two ads touting iPhone features not available in the Motorola Droid, which runs on Verizon.

The catch phrase: "Can your phone and your network do that?"

- Gizmodo


---- 11/20/09 -----

In the latest round AT&T responds to Verizon's ads with its own ads. Most reviewers cast them as "lame" and "slapped together." I don't even know who Luke Wilson is, but he runs down a checklist of features (some say with errors) that the two carriers provide. Verizon only "wins" one "x" - for having a name that starts with a "V." Yep, lame.

- WSJ Blog


--- update 11/19/09 ----

On Wednesday a judge denied AT&T's request to force Verizon to pull its ads. He set a hearing data for Dec 16 for AT&T to further state its case.

- AP

--- update 11/14/09 ----

On Friday AT&T sent a letter to subscribers defending its network and calling Verizon's ads "blatantly false and misleading."

- AT&T Letter


---- update 11/12/09-----

Wednesday AT&T responded to the latest set of three holiday themed ads from Verizon that highlight its 3G coverage limitations. The company asked the federal court in Atlanta to force Verizon to pull the ads immediately.

It's also noteworthy that AdAge thinks AT&T is not taking the path in its response.

- USA Today

---- updated 11/9/09 -----

It seems Verizon doesn't much care about the suit. It's launched a whole new series of holiday themed ads that all feature its red map and AT&T's blue one. All three made me laugh, though I'm partial to the "island of misfit toys." The link has all three embedded.

- Mobility Site

-------- original post 11/3/09 --------

Reader Kevin pointed me to Engadget's detailed coverage of the complaint (including 4 updates!).

The ads (and maps) show that Verizon has 5x the 3G AT&T does. AT&T doesn't dispute that - but does seem miffed that the large blank areas on it's map suggest no coverage in those areas, where in fact there is slower 2G coverage. I think Nilay Patel at Engadget has it exactly right: AT&T just wants the ads to stop. Verizon has already made some changes to help alleviate the potential misleading verbiage.

This is a great case study in "how to advertise with maps."