Verizon has agreed to modify certain claims about its satellite-based texting features following a complaint to an industry organization by one of its rivals.
On Wednesday, the BBB National Program’s National Advertising Division (NAD) said it upheld certain claims in Verizon’s marketing materials that relate to its satellite-based texting feature, including statements that Verizon was “conquering” cell phone “dead zones with satellite.”
Other claims, including that Verizon operates “America’s largest network,” needed to be clarified with more-conspicuous messaging, the NAD said. Specifically, Verizon needed to modify its statement to make it clear that the network covered postpaid phone connections, and not prepaid service.
T-Mobile was the complaining party in the case. T-Mobile and Verizon compete with rival 4G LTE and 5G wireless networks, and have made aggressive moves to deliver satellite-based connectivity to their premium subscribers. T-Mobile partners with Starlink for satellite connectivity, while Verizon works with Globalstar and Skylo, among others.
Verizon says it will comply with the NAD’s findings, and had already discontinued some claims before the investigation concluded.
