There’s a map for that — and a lawsuit.
Marking the latest skirmish in the telecom wars, AT&T slapped rival Verizon Wireless with a court case, claiming that Verizon’s cheeky “There’s a map for that” ads are misleading.
The ads compare coverage for the companies’ faster 3G networks, which provide wireless services for “smart” phones. The map for AT&T depicts big white gaps in 3G coverage.
The slogan is a spoof of Apple’s “There’s an app for that” ads for its popular iPhone, which uses AT&T’s 3G network.
In the 32-page suit, AT&T said the ads imply that it doesn’t have offer any coverage in the blank spaces — even on its slower network.
“AT&T customers can fully use their wireless devices outside of a 3G coverage area and undisputedly have coverage in areas depicted by the white or blank spaces,” AT&T’s said in the suit.
AT&T said it asked Verizon to stop running the ads, but all the rival did was make minor tweaks AT&T, which filed the suit in federal court in Georgia, is seeking a court order to stop Verizon from using the maps in its commercials.
“These ads are serving to inform customers where the coverage critical to operating a smart phone is available,” said Verizon spokesman Jim Gerace. “The suit itself is goofy. We clearly state in the ad ‘Voice and data service available outside 3G coverage area.’ “