New iPhone ads highlight Verizon's network drawbacks
updated 03:55 pm EST, Mon November 23, 2009
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]
Internet Reporters wrong again
11/23, 04:55pm (2 replies) reply
iPhone ads the end with the AT&T logo are not Apple ads, they are AT&T ads. Also, Apple does not have a 3G network, AT&T does.
For Gosh sakes, how much effort would it take for an editor to catch these annoying mistakes!
dankothehun
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Joined: Nov 2009
took it for granted...till now.
11/23, 05:25pm reply
the iPhone is my first smartphone, so i just assumed it was normal for one to be able to use mobile Safari and other apps that need internet access while on a call. i've done it frequently. i didn't know other services halt data transfer until the call ends. guess i won't be taking that for granted any more.
stainboy
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Joined: Sep 2005
Does not work here..
11/23, 05:56pm reply
on the TDC network in Denmark.. :-(
Marook
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Joined: May 1999
So funny!
11/23, 06:32pm reply
Verizon has these ads saying droid can do multitasking while iPhone cannot, and then -- oops! REAL multitasking that counts, it turns out Verizon chops your data multitask while you're talking to someone. Even though they might be technicall correct in terms of "operating system tech features" it kind of makes Verizon look like liars, in a way. Har de har har!
ggirton
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Brilliant!
11/23, 07:06pm reply
About time this weakness of CDMA/EVDO was brought out into the light!!!!!
- A
Fast iBook
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Is it just me?
11/23, 07:30pm reply
Or does "Ted Kapusta" seem a tad needy?
jpellino
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Joined: Oct 1999
Re: Internet reporters
11/24, 12:52pm reply
Phone ads the end with the AT&T logo are not Apple ads, they are AT&T ads. Also, Apple does not have a 3G network, AT&T does.
Sorry, Apple does ALL iPhone advertising. It is part of their deal.
Do you think Apple wants ATT's ad people trying to sell the iPhone? You'd end up having ads with some actor throwing postcards around.
testudo
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