Charter Voluntarily Discontinues Certain Spectrum Mobile Comparative Claims Following AT&T’s National Advertising Division Challenge

For Immediate Release
Contact: Abby Hills, Director of Communications, BBB National Programs

703.247.9330 / press@bbbnp.org

New York, NY – December 22, 2022 – In a BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) challenge brought by competitor AT&T Services, Inc., Charter Communications, Inc., d/b/a Spectrum, voluntarily discontinued certain comparative speed and reliability claims for its Spectrum Mobile services vs. AT&T Wireless. 

AT&T Services challenged claims made in three television commercials that:

  • Spectrum Mobile is the “most reliable” mobile service. 
  • Spectrum Mobile is more reliable than AT&T Wireless.
  • Spectrum Mobile has faster mobile data speeds than AT&T Wireless.
  • Unlike Spectrum Mobile, AT&T Wireless lacks the “speed you need to stream and connect in more places.”
  • Spectrum Mobile is America’s “leading” mobile service provider. 

 

In response to the challenge, Charter informed NAD that it had permanently discontinued the express “leading mobile service provider” claim and “most reliable mobile service” claim for independent business reasons. Charter also informed NAD that it would permanently discontinue the remaining comparative speed and reliability claims in the way they were alleged to be conveyed. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits.

In its advertiser statement, Charter stated that “Spectrum is proud of the unique combination of performance and value that it offers wireless customers throughout the nation and thanks NAD for its attention to this matter.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

Subscribe to the Ad Law Insights or Privacy Initiatives newsletters for an exclusive monthly analysis and insider perspectives on the latest trends and case decisions in advertising law and data privacy.

 

 

 

 

Latest Decisions

Decision

Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council Refers Olive Tree Earnings Claims to the FTC and California AG for Possible Enforcement Action

McLean, VA – December 20, 2024 – The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) referred Olive Tree to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and California Attorney General's Office for possible enforcement action after Olive Tree failed to respond to a DSSRC inquiry into earnings claims.  

Read the Decision Summary
Decision

Children’s Advertising Review Unit Recommends JustPlay Discontinue or Modify Daisy the Yoga Goat Claims

New York, NY – December 19, 2024 - The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) launched an investigation into advertising for Just Play’s furReal Daisy the Yoga Goat seeking to determine if the toy’s product packaging and commercial advertisements comply with CARU’s Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Children’s Advertising.

Read the Decision Summary
Decision

In National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT Challenge, Oral Essentials Voluntarily Modifies “Made in USA” Claims

New York, NY – December 19, 2024 – In a National Advertising Division challenge, Oral Essentials agreed to permanently modify its claim that certain Oral Essentials oral healthcare products are “Made in USA.” 

Read the Decision Summary
Decision

National Advertising Division Recommends Zuru Modify or Discontinue Certain Claims for its Rascals and Millie Moon Diapers

New York, NY – December 18, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended Zuru Edge Limited modify or discontinue certain claims for its Rascals and Millie Moon diaper products.

Read the Decision Summary