AT&T Publicly Responds to Verizon Ad Campaign

[NoExpectations]

2 Sides to Every Story

Verizon vs AT&T

Verizon CDMA: This technology is dead...in fact, you could not even build out a new CDMA network right now if you wanted too. They do not even make the equipment anymore, let alone engineer enhancements to it. Verizon's CDMA is a U.S.-only standard. This means that if you have a Verizon CDMA-only phone, it will only work here. If you happen to travel internationally, you need to get another phone. Verizon's CDMA network is slow....rated at only 1.4Mb. Plus, there are no plans to increase the speed....they can't...CDMA is dead. CDMA does not support concurrent voice/data access. Good luck with those GPS Apps or Teleconferancing/Desktop Sharing Apps where you need/want concurrent access to the internet and place a phone call.

AT&T 3G: This supports concurrent voice/data....and despite Verizon's attempt to scare their customer base, 75% of the population has access to it. AT&Ts 3G has a growth plan....first 7.2Mb, then 14.2Mb...then 4G. AT&T's 3G is a global standard. Your phone should work virtually anywhere.

All Wireless Carriers will eventually roll out 4G around the same time. Don't be fooled by those that advertise 4G now....very few locations and devices support it. Just because you are first, does not mean you are best.

 

[aokiqiao]

Did you see David Pogue's report that Verizon later this month intro's a new pricing scheme, whereby at the end of two years of a contract buyers of smart phones will STILL owe a $110 cancellation fee? That doesn't seem inclined to win friends, especially among those who prize new tech and might want to get a newer phone in even less than 24 months. I just replaced my 3G with a 3G S, for ex, 12 months after I bought it. No penalty from ATT. I can't imagine Verizon being able to stick with that policy in a competitive marketplace.

But let me add i'm very disappointed in ATT's service in one of the two markets I spend time in.

WTF? I didnt know that there was still a cancelation fee when you have a smartphone plan and your 2 yrs are up. What the hell are they on?

 

[Wayazo]

AT&T Coverage

I don't care what AT&T says, their coverage sucks in many of the areas I like to go in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. I have stood next to someone talking on Verizon's network who had five bars and data connectivity when my iPhone on AT&T registered no bars, no service, and no data capability less than two feet away. Even at home in Puget Sound, in my own house the signal drops out while Verizon is rock steady.

Like I said, this is true for me and the areas I travel and live in. Your experience may be quite different.

 

[ryannazaretian]

Verizon should 'correct' themselves by a new commercial that goes somewhat like this.

Setting: Plain white background with a formal man speaking.

So, AT&T has been angered by our previous commercials about making false claims about their network, so we want to clarify the maps.

This is a map of both Verizon's Voice and 3G data coverage:
(Place Map Here)

This is a map of both AT&T's Voice and 3G data coverage:
(Place Map Here)

Verizon, the nations fastest 3G data network.

Really, I just looked at AT&T's coverage map and they really don't have that much of a case... Verizon's 3G data network is larger than AT&T's voice network, let alone Data network.

I have Sprint, the nations 2nd largest 3G network.

Here's Verizon's list of 3G data coverage for the big 4 network providers.

Yep AT&T, grow up and stop whining. Use some of the money earned from those expensive iPhone plans to upgrade the network instead of paying executives bonuses and paying all that money to big time lawyers to a stupid case.

 

[Johnny2009]

Verizon's smartphones all suck

I just know if Verizon would of had the iPhone first, it wouldnt of been as successful, because their network cant simultaneously handle both data and voice, so if you want to recieve or make a phone call while on the internet, sorry folks, CDMA cant do it. The iphone experience wouldnt be the same as it is on ATT. To me that is a HUGE HUGE thing in the smartphone world..and anyone who says it isnt, is just plain stupid! Verizon is 5 years back, old technology, that's why they are moving to LTE, because their network RIGHT NOW cant give you the same user experience as you can have on ATT. Sure 5 years ago, when smartphones were just popping up in the market, it didnt really matter...But the iPhone changed everything... I wouldnt be surprised if Steve Jobs walked out of his meeting with verizon or hung up the phone on them when he found out CDMA couldnt handle both voice and data simultaneously when he first pitched the iPhone to them...So all the Verizon fanboys out there, keep drinking your verizon red koolaid, because, everyone knows, verizon's phones all suck and i do not know of one verizon phone that doesnt have their crappy logo on it..

 

[FoxyKaye]

As the U.S. market leader in wireless data service, we typically don't respond to competitors' advertising.

Oh that's rich - if AT&T weren't feeling so insecure about it's Consumer Reports consistently 2nd and 3rd rate service rankings behind Verizon, it wouldn't have needed to preface it's press release with this sentence at all.

Coverage is one thing, quality is quite another - when I can have a call that doesn't sound like two tin cans connected with string (as I've had with both Verizon and T-Mobile), and not get a "network busy" error every third time I dial (SF Bay Area - no surprises here), maybe AT&T will have finally realized this.

 

[Deelron]

Wow.. a rational and informative comment in this entire thread. How bloody shocking.

I'll also go on record and say that I must be the only one on this entire forum who has yet to experience a dropped call anywhere I've been with the iPhone, regardless of EDGE or 3G. Places I've been:

CA: Sacramento, Davis, Vacaville, Vallejo, Berkeley, San Fransisco, Redwood City, Folsom, Roseville, Placerville, S. Lake Tahoe.

NV: Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, Moapa, Beatty, Fallon, Tonopah, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno, Laughlin.

NE: Omaha, Lincoln, Millard, Kearney, Bellevue.

IA: Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Sioux City.

AZ: Phoenix, Mesa, Wickenburg, Prescott, Kingman, Bullhead City, Flagstaff.

CO: Denver.

OK: Hugo, McAlester, Henrietta, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Del City, Tulsa, Guthrie, Ardmore, Durant, Olkmugee, Jenks.

MO: Kansas City, Independence, Flourissant, St. Louis, St. Charles.

KY: Louisville.

Seems kinda hard for me to believe that ATT has such a crappy network, when I'm getting results everywhere I go.

BL.

You're not the only one, I've gotten good reception pretty much everywhere I've gone as well, I just don't have much to complain about, so I'll just keep lurking, there's no way to win bringing it up. (I will say my Pacific Northwest coverage has been excellent, and my home actually gets better signals on the iPhone then it did on my own Verizon phone for some reason.)

 

[PeterQVenkman]

Same here. I was gonna buy the Droid for my brother so that I would have a change to play with the phone but it is on Verizon network which does not allow voice and data simultaneously; therefore, I decided not to. People do not realize how importantly it is to be able to do that on a smart phone. I want to be able to send/receive data to my co-workers - reviewing a report for example - while I am on the phone with them. Can't do that with Verizon network!!!

Wow, that does suck. I'll stick with my Samsung Juke. It's super tiny, and you could run over it with a dump truck and it will still work.

It does nothing well except make calls. For a phone, that's not too bad, I guess.

 

[bergmef]

Verizon vs AT&T

Verizon CDMA: This technology is dead...in fact, you could not even build out a new CDMA network right now if you wanted too. They do not even make the equipment anymore, let alone engineer enhancements to it. Verizon's CDMA is a U.S.-only standard. This means that if you have a Verizon CDMA-only phone, it will only work here. If you happen to travel internationally, you need to get another phone. Verizon's CDMA network is slow....rated at only 1.4Mb. Plus, there are no plans to increase the speed....they can't...CDMA is dead. CDMA does not support concurrent voice/data access. Good luck with those GPS Apps or Teleconferancing/Desktop Sharing Apps where you need/want concurrent access to the internet and place a phone call.

AT&T 3G: This supports concurrent voice/data....and despite Verizon's attempt to scare their customer base, 75% of the population has access to it. AT&Ts 3G has a growth plan....first 7.2Mb, then 14.2Mb...then 4G. AT&T's 3G is a global standard. Your phone should work virtually anywhere.

All Wireless Carriers will eventually roll out 4G around the same time. Don't be fooled by those that advertise 4G now....very few locations and devices support it. Just because you are first, does not mean you are best.

At the same time? I thought I just read at and t is moving up lte testing to 2011. Verizon finished testing in the first 2 cities back in August (Seattle and Boston I think). CDMA is not dead, in fact, qualcomm just put cdma/gsm/lte all on the same chip the other day. I'll be curious to see if svdo is rolled out at the the begining of next year for the overlap. Does gsm really do both simultaneous? Or are they using 2 radios at different frequencies?

 

[DanielSw]

You really do struggle with reading comprehension, don't you ? Help is available.

Btw, why would anyone want a telephone company to burn in hell? Mental issues?

You really struggle to SEE anything from under that stupid looking hat, don't you? Ever wash that thing?

 

[Full of Win]

Engadget said it right when they said it's probably a better investment to improve your network then invest in lawsuits.

I don't agree with engadget much, especially their former writer Ryan Block (another story ) However, that was spot on.The reason these ads are so powerful is simple- its because they are so true. The state of the ATT network is an obscenity in terms of coverage. In fact, I no longer recommend the iPhone because of the pathetic data network its myriad with.

 

[samab]

Verizon vs AT&T

Verizon CDMA: This technology is dead...in fact, you could not even build out a new CDMA network right now if you wanted too. They do not even make the equipment anymore, let alone engineer enhancements to it. Verizon's CDMA is a U.S.-only standard. This means that if you have a Verizon CDMA-only phone, it will only work here. If you happen to travel internationally, you need to get another phone. Verizon's CDMA network is slow....rated at only 1.4Mb. Plus, there are no plans to increase the speed....they can't...CDMA is dead. CDMA does not support concurrent voice/data access. Good luck with those GPS Apps or Teleconferancing/Desktop Sharing Apps where you need/want concurrent access to the internet and place a phone call.

AT&T 3G: This supports concurrent voice/data....and despite Verizon's attempt to scare their customer base, 75% of the population has access to it. AT&Ts 3G has a growth plan....first 7.2Mb, then 14.2Mb...then 4G. AT&T's 3G is a global standard. Your phone should work virtually anywhere.

All Wireless Carriers will eventually roll out 4G around the same time. Don't be fooled by those that advertise 4G now....very few locations and devices support it. Just because you are first, does not mean you are best.

You are quoting AT&T's peak theoretical download paper spec speed numbers --- which has no relevent meaning in real life.

AT&T advertises their 3G network to have an average speed of 700-1700 kbps. Verizon advertises their 3G network to have an average speed of 600-1400 kbps.

Your web browsing will be 0.5 second faster per webpage. Your SMS will arrive 0.1 second faster. Your ringtone download will be 3 second faster. Your music purchase will get downloaded 5 seconds faster.

Nothing prevents you from buying a Verizon blackberry which has both CDMA and GSM radio --- a true global phone which the GSM side totally unlocked out of the box. Vs. You can't unlock your iphone so it would cost you hundreds of dollars just accessing your email overseas.

 

[Full of Win]

Verizon vs AT&T

Verizon CDMA: This technology is dead...in fact, you could not even build out a new CDMA network right now if you wanted too. They do not even make the equipment anymore, let alone engineer enhancements to it.

So China is not building out their CDMA / CDMA 2000 network. That is news to me.

 

[mspman]

Even the talking heads on CNBC know the score. They were talking this morning on Squawk on the Street about how much worse AT&T's network is than Verizon's, and how AT&T needs to invest in that more.

If AT&T's numbers are right, then I want to see where the hell all that money went.

 

[samab]

Sorry, those are all theoretical BURST speeds, not actual sustained. FAIL

Those are average sustained speed.

Verizon's 3G network --- advertises as 600-1400 kbps average speed.
AT&T's 3G network --- advertises as 700-1700 kbps average speed.

You CAN'T see a difference in performance in real life.

EDGE is 384 kbps peak theoretical download and averages 150 kbps.
EV-DO rev 0 is 2.4 mbps peak theoretical download and averages 400-700 kbps.
EV-DO rev A is 3.1 mbps peak theoretical download and averages 600-1400 kbps.

EV-DO rev 0 is 3.7 times faster than EDGE.

http://www.waav.com/Technology.html

 

[inkswamp]

Dear AT&T:

Buck up, princess.

If Verizon wants to play dirty, don't whine about it. Punch them back. They may have you nailed when it comes to 3G coverage but you have many other areas where you could legitimately attack them, specifically their notoriously bad customer service. In the hands of the right marketing firm, the image of that crowd led by the "Can you hear me now?" guy could be turned on its head.

How about this? Run ads talking about Verizon's recent decision to double the fee of customers ending their contract early. Then you extend an offer to cover that cost if they switch to AT&T.

That would get attention. That's the way to do it.

Quit bellyaching and fight back, dammit.

P.S. While you're at it, why don't you use some of that new-found revenue to build up your network coverage and advertise the @#$&* out of it.

 

[samab]

Dear AT&T:

Buck up, princess.

If Verizon wants to play dirty, don't whine about it. Punch them back. They may have you nailed when it comes to 3G coverage but you have many other areas where you could legitimately attack them, specifically their notoriously bad customer service. In the hands of the right marketing firm, the image of that crowd led by the "Can you hear me now?" guy could be turned on its head.

Quit bellyaching and fight back, dammit.

P.S. While you're at it, why don't you use some of that new-found revenue to build up your 3G network coverage and advertise the @#$&* out of it.

Verizon Wireless --- top of the peck in consumer satisfaction surveys. AT&T Wireless --- ranks at the bottom.

 

[macduke]

It seems like they just need to fix 3g on the coasts like in NY and LA. In the last two years I've been to Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Springfield MO, Kansas City, St Louis, Denver, Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Pittsburg, Columbus OH, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami and I never had any problems with 3g in those cities. The only places I've been where AT&T completely fails (the whole shebang) is on remote passes in the Colorado rockies, northern Ohio, and southwestern Pennsylvania.

I'm not any sort of AT&T fan but in my experience their coverage is OK. I think some of their prices need to come down...especially texting. Glad they are starting to open up with VOIP but where in the heck are the apps? Also their customer service could be a little better.

BTW my wife had Verizon for years and switched to AT&T last year when we got engaged. She has had a lot better experience with them, especially with customer support. They really burned her a couple times at Verizon...especially when she tried to switch. She paid more for her phone so she could get a one year agreement, and even though she signed for a one year contract, they were rude and unhelpful over the next four hours while we tried to get her number switched over and service canceled without paying a penalty.

Also I think AppleInsider had something about the "3g" speeds of Verizon where they only something like 300-500kbps outside of big cities and edge is like 200-400kbps. Also Verizon's 3g in cities is something like 700-900kbps while I consistently get 2mbps + on AT&T and they will soon be upgrading to 7.2mbps, although I would rather they spend that money fixing up some of the dead zones on the coast first so people will stop complaining. My 3g is plenty fast for mobile phone use. I mean honestly, 2mbps is a dream on a pocket device.

Also Apple, make the PHONE part of the iPhone better! Speakerphone and mic need a BOOST.

//END ranting and praising and raving

 

[Papajohn56]

I've reset safari and repaired permissions and I still get the beachball all the time. Any time a page has flash on it, it crashes. This is an embarrassment.

 

[inkswamp]

Verizon Wireless --- top of the peck in consumer satisfaction surveys. AT&T Wireless --- ranks at the bottom.

Not really.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/technology/personaltech/12pogue-email.html

http://www.dailymail.com/Business/200911121004

http://www.theithacajournal.com/art...erizon+repair+times+worsen++state+agency+says

http://readme.readmedia.com/Verizons-Service-Quality-Meets-Most-Standards/979894

I sit in an office with someone who recently dealt with this firsthand and he sat on the phone ready to explode the whole time, trying to deal with Verizon. Their service leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[samab]

Also I think AppleInsider had something about the "3g" speeds of Verizon where they only something like 300-500kbps outside of big cities and edge is like 200-400kbps. Also Verizon's 3g in cities is something like 700-900kbps while I consistently get 2mbps + on AT&T and they will soon be upgrading to 7.2mbps, although I would rather they spend that money fixing up some of the dead zones on the coast first so people will stop complaining. My 3g is plenty fast for mobile phone use. I mean honestly, 2mbps is a dream on a pocket device.

Also Apple, make the PHONE part of the iPhone better! Speakerphone and mic need a BOOST.

//END ranting and praising and raving

EDGE averages 150 kbps.

VZW advertises their 3G speed as 600-1400 kbps average. AT&T Wireless advertises their 3G speed as 700-1700 kbps average. You CANNOT see the difference at all in real life --- your ringtone purchase will arrive 3 seconds faster on the AT&T network.

 

[Bubba Satori]

Editing your post doesn't you one bit.... I think the bigger issue here is you not reading the full thread before looking down at one comment and then quoting it as the the whole idea. Also, saying one wants x thing to burn in hell doesn't mean mental instability.

Also, the 1st grade teacher is on the phone with me, he tells me its time for your lesson in reading and also time for your nap.

Pathetic, really. But we knew that with the "Verizon should burn in hell." absurdity. This just confirms it.
And now you can add insulting behavior to your resume of irrelevent posting.
Off to ignore land for you.

 

[samab]

Not really.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/technology/personaltech/12pogue-email.html

http://www.dailymail.com/Business/200911121004

http://www.theithacajournal.com/art...erizon+repair+times+worsen++state+agency+says

http://readme.readmedia.com/Verizons-Service-Quality-Meets-Most-Standards/979894

I sit in an office with someone who recently dealt with this firsthand and he sat on the phone ready to explode the whole time, trying to deal with Verizon. Their service leaves a lot to be desired.

It is a COMPARATIVE exercise --- VZW just have to suck less than the rest of the carriers. Not really hard to be number 1 in consumer satisfaction in surveys when the rest of the peck suck even more.

 

[alphaod]

1X is 144kbps

EDGE is 135kpbs

But the average users experience would very i would imagine

Actually EDGE is 235 Kbps. That isn't even the theoretical maximum. On average you should get around 200 Kbps. On T-Mobile, it's actually faster than that.

 

[samab]

Actually EDGE is 235 Kbps. That isn't even the theoretical maximum. On average you should get around 200 Kbps. On T-Mobile, it's actually faster than that.

EDGE peak maxes out at 384 kbps.

But there are no phones that have those EDGE class speed and there are no network that gives EDGE phones that many time slots needed to obtain that speed. So EDGE averages 150 kbps.

Engadget is totally trashing Prince McLean's article and it showed that AT&T itself advertises EDGE speed to be between 75 - 135 kbps.

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/11/13/editorial-hey-atandt-drop-lawsuits-not-calls/