Even with all the intelligence at their disposal, human beings have failed rather sensationally at not making mistakes. This dynamic has already showed up on the surface quite a few times throughout our history, with each appearance practically forcing us to look for some sort of a defensive cover. We will, on our part, find the stated cover once we bring dedicated regulatory bodies into the fold. Having a well-defined authority across each and every area was a game-changer, as it instantly concealed a lot of our shortcomings. Nevertheless, the utopia to emerge from it will soon dissipate into thin air, and if we are being honest, it was all technology’s fault. You see, the moment technology and its layered nature took over the scene; it gave certain people an unprecedented chance to exploit others for their own benefit. In case this reality wasn’t devastating enough, the whole runner started to materialize on such a big scale that it expectantly overwhelmed our governing forces and sent them back to the drawing board. After a long time in the wilderness, though, the regulators are now finally looking ready to make a comeback. The same has only turned more and more evident over the recent past, and one new lawsuit can very well solidify its presence moving forward.
Telecom giant, AT&T has officially filed a lawsuit against T-Mobile in relation to an ad campaign that was recently launched by the latter. To give you a bit of recap, T-Mobile kickstarted a BannedSeniors Campaign, which claimed “92 percent of seniors in the US can’t get a wireless discount from Verizon and AT&T because they don’t live in Florida.” By doing so, T-Mobile, of course, tried to remind everyone about its own Unlimited 55+ plans’ promotion that offers people, who are 55 or older, a discounted access to its network. Now, AT&T did bring a version of that in 2020, the plan’s availability, as indicated, remains limited to Florida.
“Until Verizon and AT&T offer senior discounts outside of Florida, we’re helping their customers get access to the wireless discounts they deserve as part of our Carrier Callout,” stated T-Mobile.
AT&T, however, has flat-out refuted the claim, instead deeming T-Mobile’s campaign as “intentionally designed to deceive senior citizens.” In a bid to back up the stated lawsuit, the company even talked about a program that it launched in 2015. Through this program, AT&T offers members of AARP, a nonprofit organization that represents more than 38 million seniors in the US, a $10 discount off its Unlimited Premium plan, and plenty other perks. Interestingly enough, the program we are referring to here is available in all 50 US states.
“T-Mobile’s claims are outright dishonest and completely false. It is not the first time they have spread misleading information,” an AT&T spokesperson said. “AT&T offers wireless discounts to people of all ages, including seniors in all 50 states. The only way to stop the un-truthful carrier is apparently in a court of law, and that’s where we are.”
It’s not really the first time advertising has landed T-Mobile in hot waters. In 2020, Verizon filed a complaint against the company for claiming that its 5G network was more reliable than what was offered by the other carriers. Hence, it will be intriguing to see how the telecom provider comes out of a whole new controversy.
