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The legal papers tell the real story. The two maps definitely show the two companies' 3G networks. But the legend for the *REST* of the map is missing. The Verizon map (the big red one) does indeed show their 3G coverage. But they use white on their map to show areas where there is no coverage at all. The AT&T map shows 3G coverage only, and then vast swaths of the country in white space. Now comparing apples to apples on the two maps, Verizon is intimating that once you leave an AT&T blue space, you have *no coverage at all.*
And yes, according to surveys taken after viewing the commercials, that's exactly what people are taking away from those ads: once you leave the blue area, you can't use your 3G phone at all. If they did the maps in two different colors to show 3G, 2G, and no service, that would be fine, but they are essentially passing on the wrong message. They are intimating that there is no coverage outside of AT&T's 3G areas, which is not true. That amounts to a false advertising claim.
So let's put it into perspective:
- AT&T's 3G coverage hits most major metropolitan areas.
- Verizon's EV-DO network is bigger than AT&T's.
- HSPDA is faster than EV-DO, so the fact that you have EV-DO coverage in more areas than AT&T has HSPDA coverage is also not an apples-to-apples comparison, even though they are both considered "3G".
- When you leave a 3G area, your 3G phone runs on 2G. Regardless of what the ad appears to claim, it still works.
All that said, AT&T has a valid complaint. And no, I ain't no AT&T fanboy. I'd go back to VZW in a second if my company didn't issue phones.