Latest move in an aggressive marketing battle

Apple is set to launch two new TV ads in response to Verizon's criticism of AT&T's 3G network. Both ads focus on the iPhone's ability to maintain a voice call while simultaneously using features that require a data connection. The first sequence shows the iPhone interface as the user checks an e-mail, changes reservations and orders flowers without ending each call. The second spot features an iPhone user talking to a friend while checking movie times, sending the theater location and checking out a restaurant.

AT&T recently launched a series of ads which also highlighted the ability for their subscribers to use both connections at the same time. The company had responded aggressively to Verizon's "there's a map for that" campaign showing the iPhone carrier to have one fifth of the 3G coverage across the US. AT&T even filed a lawsuit against Verizon, claiming the ads were misleading, although critics point out that the litigation has drawn even more attention to the commercial series.

Although AT&T has admitted that the 3G coverage comparison is accurate, the new iPhone ads point out a genuine counterpoint. While Verizon customers can receive SMS messages while using the voice network, other data services are interrupted until the call is ended.[via BusinessWeek]

by MacNN Staff