T-Mobile just got in trouble over misleading free in-flight Wi-Fi claims
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- The National Advertising Division (NAD) has recommended that T‑Mobile discontinue or modify its claims about free in‑flight Wi‑Fi.
- T‑Mobile’s advertising suggests Verizon customers would pay $147 per month for in‑flight Wi‑Fi.
- The perk is only available on certain airlines, and T‑Mobile’s disclosures do not specify which carriers are covered.
Background
Some T‑Mobile plans include an in‑flight Wi‑Fi perk that provides unlimited texting and free Wi‑Fi during a flight. Verizon customers do not receive a comparable benefit. T‑Mobile’s advertising highlights the potential savings for its customers compared with Verizon.
NAD Recommendation
The NAD has recommended that T‑Mobile either:
- Discontinue the advertising in question, or
- Modify the advertising so that it “clearly and conspicuously disclose the nature of its in‑flight Wi‑Fi benefit,” including that fees are charged by certain airlines and avoiding references to fees that non‑T‑Mobile customers would pay.
The recommendation stems from the fact that T‑Mobile’s website implies Verizon customers incur a $147 per month in‑flight Wi‑Fi cost, while the T‑Mobile perk only works with a limited set of airlines—information that is omitted from the disclosures.
T‑Mobile’s Defense
T‑Mobile argued that its ads were intended to show “what consumers would have to pay to get the comparable Wi‑Fi benefit that is included in the T‑Mobile plan.” The company also submitted evidence that its customers frequently use the free in‑flight Wi‑Fi perk.
The NAD found this explanation ambiguous and inadequate, noting that T‑Mobile failed to provide evidence supporting its claims about Verizon customers’ costs.
Potential Outcomes
- The NAD cannot enforce its recommendation; compliance is voluntary.
- If T‑Mobile chooses not to comply, Verizon may pursue legal action to enforce its claims.