Verizon sued by AT&T over ads dispute

BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- AT&T Inc. is suing Verizon Wireless over an ads dispute, alleging that the latter has misled the customers in coverage.

AT&T said that a recently launched ad campaign by Verizon shows maps with blank spaces that mislead consumers into thinking AT&T has no network coverage outside of areas where it offers high-speed mobile services, known as third-generation or 3G.

In fact, most of the blank areas are covered, but with somewhat slower wireless speeds, AT&T said.

As a response to the lawsuit, Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Nancy Stark said that the law suit was without merit and described AT&T as being hurt at the implication that its 3G coverage isn't much good. She said the ads were intended to tell consumers about coverage for smartphones, which are used for data services.

Currently, AT&T is seeking an emergency injunction to stop the ads. It also seeks unspecified damages, accusing Verizon of false advertising, and claims the ads harm AT&T's ability to compete.

AT&T and Verizon are the two largest wireless carriers in U.S. They have battled fiercely over smartphone devices before. Now, 3G service has become another business battlefield.