Skip to main content

AT&T ads tout advantage over Verizon iPhone: Talking while browsing

att-verizon-iphone-response-talk-and-text-simultaneously
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Verizon is getting the iPhone on Feb. 10 and AT&T is nervous as hell. In a desperate attempt to make itself look good, the wireless carrier is shooting out e-mails to its existing customers, reminding them of the one known advantage AT&T has over Verizon: talking while using data. The ad (seen above) shows a woman talking on the phone while searching for movie tickets on Fandango, reports Gear Live. The woman is using Bluetooth, since having a headset (or using the speakerphone) is the only scenario where you could feasibly attempt such a multitask on any network. AT&T began this line of attack ads in late 2009, when it and Verizon were trading blows over 3G coverage. Luke Wilson starred in the original commercials.

The claim is still relevant, but talking and browsing simultaneously isn’t an activity that people do very often. AT&T customers who are switching to Verizon are likely doing so because AT&T’s service is spotty and inconsistent in their town or home. From the anecdotal evidence we’ve gathered, Verizon’s CDMA network excels at having coverage in areas where AT&T’s GSM performance suffers.

However, entering the 4G era, this argument is irrelevant. Both Verizon and AT&T are implementing and launching 4G networks using LTE technology, and both will be capable of browsing and talking at the same time.

Is browsing while talking a feature that means something to you?

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
Verizon Business is practically giving away the iPhone 12 for free in September
The back of the iPhone 12 Pro being held by someone.

Want a chance to nab the iPhone 12 practically for free, during September? Now's your chance, through Verizon Business. Collectively, you can get up to $1,000 off the price of a new iPhone 12 series -- and that's good for all 4 models, including the iPhone 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max.

Here's how it all works. You'll get a maximum discount of up to $700 for eligible trade-ins, plus you can take advantage of another $300 credit if you're swapping from another carrier. Combined, that's $1,000 total in savings, and even if your trade-in is worth less, you'll still be getting the new phone practically for free!

Read more
OnePlus 7T vs. iPhone 11: Which one will capture your next paycheck?
oneplus 7t review pocket

If you don't need a top-of-the-line premier smartphone that costs upwards of $1,000, a range of somewhat more affordable options with the features most people need is available at a more reasonable price. Current examples include last year's OnePlus 7T and the iPhone 11. But even mid-level devices pack an economic punch, and neither of these can be classified as budget phones -- not with base prices starting at $599 and $699 respectively. Let's see how they shake out in a feature-by-feature challenge.
Specs

OnePlus 7T
iPhone 11

Read more
The best ad blockers for the iPhone
ad blocker feat image

Ad blockers are software you can install on your mobile device to control ads and pop-up scripts while browsing the web or using various apps. Pop-ups are annoying and often hazardous because they interrupt your thought process, increase page loading time, and allow unknown third parties to invade your privacy by following your browser movements around the web.

There's a multitude of ad blocker apps available on the App Store, and choosing among them is a daunting task. But we do the work for you with this list of the best blockers available for your iPhone or iPad. Most are free or nearly so, often with optional in-app purchases for premium features.

Read more