News
Verizon targets AT&T, Apple with ‘map for that’ ad
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2009
News Category: iPhone
Verizon Wireless has begun airing a new television commercial directly targeting AT&T and Apple’s iPhone. The commercial apes Apple’s “there’s an app for that” iPhone slogan by listing various scenarios and then saying “there’s a map for that,” while displaying the company’s U.S. wireless 3G coverage map. Later in the spot, the announcer states, “if you want to know why some people have spotty 3G coverage, there’s a map for that too,” while showing an iPhone user with AT&T’s considerably less robust 3G coverage map overhead. Continue reading to watch the commercial in embedded form; the video is also available for viewing on YouTube.
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1
I feel no sympathy for AT&T whatsoever. They’ve been too greedy to invest their profits into network improvements, including 3G network solidification and expansion, in a timely manner. I frequently find myself as that “other person” with the blue map over his head in this ad, and I know I’m not alone in that regard.
I’m no fan of Verizon, but they certainly gave AT&T what they had coming.
Posted by Herr Doktor on October 6, 2009 at 9:02 AM (PDT)
2
It’s interesting to see how Verizon took pains not to antagonize Apple as the ad only mentions AT&T. Badmouthing Apple probably wouldn’t help any ongoing negotiations with Steve and company.
I’m hopeful that AT&T’s exclusivity contract ends next year and Verizon picks up the iPhone.
Posted by cxc273 on October 6, 2009 at 9:09 AM (PDT)
3
Latest news is that there will be Android phones on Verizon. I think this pits Verizon/Google against AT&T/iPhone. One network is better, one phone is better. Pretty even now but if the Android phones can catch up in the app department then Mr. Steve will be mighty unhappy. With Verizon saying their phones will ne “truly open” and with Flash apps able to run on them don’t think that Apple’s lead in apps is permanent.
Interesting times ahead.
Posted by Flexo on October 6, 2009 at 10:36 AM (PDT)
4
Dear Steve,
Please don’t sign another deal with AT&T. I would REALLY like to buy an iPhone from you.
Sincerely,
John
Posted by John on October 6, 2009 at 12:41 PM (PDT)
5
If you think the iPhone would be better on Verizon, do some reading on how they handled the Motorola V710 from a few years ago. If they crippled that handset, what’s to say they won’t cripple the iPhone if they were to carry it?
Posted by hoshieBIOTpod in Havelock, NC USA on October 6, 2009 at 2:13 PM (PDT)
6
Dear Steve,
Renew the contract with AT&T.
Their service is incredible.
Using Verizon’s sloppy network would just give Apple a bad name and cause more complaints.
iPhone is on the best network. Leave it that way.
Posted by TC on October 12, 2009 at 12:39 PM (PDT)