Latest news with #NationalAdvertisingReviewBoard
Android Authority
10 hours ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Verizon wins ad battle: T-Mobile asked to take down deceptive 'Switch and Save' ads
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR T-Mobile has been asked to remove misleading ads that could lead consumers to believe its plans are much cheaper than the competition's. T-Mobile disagrees with the ruling, but said it would remove the ads in question. Verizon brought the complaint against T-Mobile's 'Switch and Save' ads, which promise 20% savings compared to 'the other big guys.' An advertising watchdog has asked T-Mobile to take down its 'Switch and Save' ads, ruling that the price comparisons with AT&T and Verizon could mislead consumers into believing they are actually saving money by choosing T-Mobile over its competitors. The National Advertising Review Board (NARB), an appellate body of BBB National Programs' advertising self-regulatory system, upheld an earlier decision from the National Advertising Division (NAD), which was summoned by a complaint from Verizon. The T-Mobile ads in question claimed that 'families can switch and save 20% vs. the other big guys' plans plus streaming services' and 'Switch and save versus AT&T and Verizon's comparable plans plus streaming.' Adamya Sharma / Android Authority NARB found that the 'plus streaming' phrase was too vague and that T-Mobile's price comparisons involved adding the cost of the optional streaming services to its competitors' plans in order to match the streaming services offered for free by T-Mobile with its own bundles. The board said this wording was likely to lead many consumers to believe that subscribing to T-Mobile's plans would actually save them on plan costs without adjustments for added perks. The panel also recommended that T-Mobile avoid implying that all its plans are cheaper than what its rivals offer, or that all customers will end up saving 20%. While T-Mobile did not agree with the ruling, the un-carrier said it will comply with the NARB's recommendations and remove the questionable ads. Verizon's hit on T-Mobile comes after the latter previously approached the NAD, challenging the Big Red's claim of being 'America's largest network.' Follow
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile asked by review board to drop unclear savings ads in ongoing carrier battle
T-Mobile has been asked to stop making certain "switch and save" claims after an advertising review panel found they could mislead customers. The decision came from the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) following a challenge from Verizon. At the center of the case were ads stating, "Families can switch and save 20% vs. the other big guys plans plus streaming services" and "Switch and save versus AT&T and Verizon 's comparable plans plus streaming." NARB found that these claims, while suggesting significant savings, were unclear about how those savings were calculated. The review followed an earlier case from the National Advertising Division (NAD), which also raised concerns. NAD determined that the phrase "plus streaming" did not make it clear that T-Mobile was adding the cost of optional streaming subscriptions to competitors' monthly plan prices to make its own prices appear lower. According to the panel, many customers could reasonably believe the comparison was based on the cost of the mobile service alone. T-Mobile made some changes during the process, including adding more explicit references to streaming services and updating disclosures. But NARB agreed with NAD that these changes were not enough. The panel said the "plus streaming" wording was too vague and did not clearly explain how the price comparisons worked. NARB also recommended that T-Mobile avoid implying that: All T-Mobile plans cost less than similar AT&T or Verizon plans plans cost less than similar or plans Every customer would save money or save 20% by switching The panel did not support one NAD finding that the ads implied Verizon charged a mandatory "similar streaming services" fee. T-Mobile said it disagreed with the panel's decision but would follow its recommendations. Major carriers regularly run ads comparing their prices, coverage, and perks to rivals. These claims can be persuasive for customers deciding whether to switch. However, they also attract close scrutiny from competitors and watchdog groups. Similar disputes have been brought against AT&T and Verizon in the past, showing that challenges over marketing language are common in the telecom industry. For us consumers, this ruling is a reminder that savings claims often depend on extra factors like streaming subscriptions or limited-time promotions. While T-Mobile still offers competitive value, comparing only headline prices can be misleading. Reading the details and understanding what is included remains the best way to decide if switching is truly worth it.
