Phone carriers battle to the death for profit

Over the years we have had great rivalries like the Yankees and Red Sox, Coke and Pepsi, Tupac and Biggie, Real World and Road Rules, Conan and Leno and New York City and Pleasantville. Sure there are many great rivalries out there, but none can compare to the greatest rivalry of our time: Verizon vs. AT&T.

The battle for who is the better wireless service provider all started in late 2009, when Verizon launched the ad campaign "There's A Map For That," which parodied the iPhone's "There is an app for that" campaign, taking a shot at the AT&T network coverage.

Since iPhones use AT&T, the maps used in the commercials claimed Verizon had five times the 3G coverage of AT&T and that iPhones were not as useful as they could be with Verizon's 3G coverage.This was not the only trick up Verizon's sleeve, however, shortly after they released "iDon't" ads for their Droid phones, which pointed out that Droids could do more than the iPhone could do.

The Droid has expandable memory, longer battery life, a better camera, more apps and most importantly, the Verizon network.

In November, AT&T filed a lawsuit against Verizon claiming that they reach the same number of customers as Verizon and that the ads were "misleading" and caused a loss of "incalculable market share." The ads only refer to 3G and not overall coverage, however, the ads are correct in claiming people outside of urban areas may not receive 3G.

Although the ads still continue, AT&T still does not agree with their message. They believe that the ads confuse non-technical viewers into thinking AT&T provides no service at all outside of its 3G coverage.

The comeback king that is Verizon responded by saying that "AT&T did not file this lawsuit because Verizon's 'There's A Map For That' advertisements are untrue. AT&T sued because Verizon's ads are true and the truth hurts."

When lawsuits did not work they decided to fight fire with fire. AT&T decided to demonstrate their own power of crafty marketing. With their backs against the wall, AT&T did what any company would do in their situation: get a celebrity endorsement.

Unfortunately all they could get was Luke Wilson, who in the commercials clearly looks like he's been sitting on the couch waiting for someone to call with a job offer.
In the first of these ads Wilson stands in front of a board placing an X on which service can do what.

Obviously AT&T wins in a landslide claiming to have the fastest 3G network, being able to talk and surf the web at the same time, having the most popular smart phones, and access to over 100,000 apps.

His supporting argument against Verizon was nonexistent and the only thing said about Verizon is that it starts with the letter V. AT&T was not off to a great start.

Actually the commercials became progressively worse. Many have speculated that the apparent goal of AT&T's ads were to show off how much grumpier and fatter they could make Wilson.

The commercials are very problematic themselves. Instead of making a valid point against Verizon, AT&T's rebuttals have merely been recycled Verizon statements that cater to AT&T.

The ongoing rivalry is something that is unable to meet an end simply by declaring a winner. The truth is there are varying pro and cons between the two companies. Although Verizon honestly has the better coverage and customer service, AT&T has the iPhone.

Simply having Apple's smart phone is the reason many people are sticking with AT&T. It's only a matter of time however, before iPhone's contract with AT&T expires and Apple makes the long overdue move to Verizon.

Like all great rivalries, these two companies will continue to battle it out. If surfing the web and ton of apps that make your life easier or cure your boredom is what you want out of a phone, than AT&T and Luke Wilson are right for you. It's just unfortunate those users will actually need those apps as they walk around waiting for service.

The AT&T vs. Verizon battle has reach the liking of the University where the phone carries are as diverse as the student body. "One time, I went to South Africa and my phone got stolen. By the time I got back, my AT&T bill was $30,000." Junior Lorendra Pinder said who did not realize at the time that her phone was stolen racked up sever charges but, AT&T was good enough to her that her changes got cancelled.

Some like AT&T for the technologically advanced phone models such as the iPhone while others prefer Verizon because some believe Verizon is just better all around. Mixed in between are the loyal customers who stand by Sprint, the strong third place phone carrier.

"I don't really know much about the battle between Verizon and AT&T, I have Sprint. I'm pretty happy with Sprint most days." Senior Nicky LeFebvre said.

Sprint is seen as a somewhat reliable neutral carrier, however one could only question whether Luke Wilson might jump to Sprint and compare them to AT&T, how the tables could turn.