America’s second biggest mobile phone carrier, Verizon Wireless, is suing smaller rival, Alltel Corp., for allegedly making false statements about Verizon’s calling plans in its television advertisements.
Alltel, a regional carrier with a presence in 35 U.S. states, apparently suggested in a series of TV commercials that Verizon customers are forced to extend their contracts when they chance calling plans. The ads feature Verizon sales representatives trying to stop customers from switching to Alltel when they learn of Alltel’s supposedly more flexible contract policies.
“Whatever merit this comparison may have to other carriers, in the case of Verizon Wireless, the supposed ‘advantage’ is pure fiction,” Verizon alleged in its false advertising lawsuit, filed at a federal court in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday.
Verizon customers have been able to change plans without extending their contracts since October 1, 2007, the Basking Ridge, New Jersey-based telecom giant clarified.
Source: Telecom News
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Verizon Files False Advertising Lawsuit against Alltel
