The National Advertising Division (NAD) this week punted a dispute between Comcast and Verizon over the latter’s advertising claims over to the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission for review.
The NAD, a division of the Better Business Bureau, says the move follows a decision by Verizon not to participate in mediation proceedings. Verizon indicates in a statement it declined to participate due to an unresolved conflict of interest involving a former assistant NAD director who was representing Comcast. The operator also maintains that it “offers the fastest internet available in all markets where FiOS competes.”
The National Advertising Review Board back in February stepped in to recommend Comcast stop using certain claims in its Xfinity advertising after Verizon lodged an initial complaint. NAD performed a review and recommended Comcast discontinue claims that included “America’s fastest internet,” and, in certain contexts, “fastest in-home WiFi.”
But Comcast came back with its own complaint, noting Verizon’s claims that its FiOS service offers the “fastest, most reliable internet available” and “the competition doesn’t even come close.”
NAD says it referred the advertising at issue to the FTC for review in accordance with NAD/CARU procedures.
Filed Under: Industry regulations + certifications