The Truth About the Verizon Wireless Map Campaign

The red map Verizon shows would have us believe that this is an indication of a superior data network across a broader area.
The blue AT&T map that is shown in the commercial would have us believe we are seeing an apple to apple comparison of data coverage and speed.
The actual AT&T data coverage map is above.


The facts are:
The term 3G is not a technical term and is not intended to convey industry consistent throughput speeds.
When comparing one provider's 3G to another, you are not necessarily comparing data speed capabilities.
The red map Verizon show is a combination of both versions of 3G they carry (EVDO REV-O and EVDO REV-A)
The blue map demonstrates only one version of three 3G iterations that AT&T operates.
This version is the most recently deployed HSPA (7.2 mbps)
The Truth is:
The 2G version (EDGE) that AT&T utilizes operates at higher speeds on the download than the first iteration of Verizon's 3G (EVDO REV-O).
The actual 3G coverage is much broader than you are led to believe.