AT&T Updates 'Bad Golf Day' Ad After T-Mobile Complaint

AT&T's Satellite Calling Advertisement Update

AT&T has recently updated its satellite calling advertisement after facing scrutiny from rival telecom company T-Mobile. The shift follows a formal challenge regarding the interpretation of the verb "is" used in their promotional material.

The Controversy Unfolds

Initially launched in April 2023, the advertisement titled "Epic Bad Golf Day" featured comedic actor Ben Stiller. The ad concluded with a bold statement: "The future of help is an AT&T satellite call away." However, after T-Mobile's objection, the phrasing has been altered to: "will be a satellite call away." This change highlights the importance of verb tense in advertising.

T-Mobile's Challenge and Regulatory Response

T-Mobile took their grievance to the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division. They argued that AT&T's original wording suggested that its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) service was already available to consumers, which was misleading.

While AT&T has secured a deal with AST SpaceMobile to launch their satellite calling service, the offering is not yet available and may take several months for a rollout. In contrast, T-Mobile plans to launch its own Starlink-based satellite calling service this fall.

New Advertisement and Availability

A revised version of the advertisement can now be viewed on AT&T’s YouTube channel, alongside the original version. This incident underscores the evolving landscape of telecommunications advertising, particularly as companies push to promote their upcoming satellite services.

What This Means for Consumers

The competition between AT&T and T-Mobile in the satellite calling space highlights the ongoing innovations in telecommunications. As both companies prepare to roll out their respective services, consumers will soon have more options for satellite calling solutions.

Conclusion

With AT&T adjusting its messaging and T-Mobile gearing up for its service launch, the satellite calling market is poised for significant developments. Stay tuned for further updates as these companies update customers on their new offerings.