T-Mobile (TMUS) has sued back Verizon (VZ), accusing its rival of engaging in “bait-and-switch” advertising to make consumers switch cellphone carriers, Reuters reported on Monday, citing a Manhattan court filing.
In a Friday night filing that was seen by Reuters, T-Mobile said Verizon’s promise of a “better deal” if consumers brought in their T-Mobile or AT&T Mobility (T) bills and changed carriers is a ruse because Verizon cannot offer comparable service plans at lower prices.
“The Better Deal Campaign is a classic ‘bait and switch’ by which Verizon lures many consumers through the door with a false promise of savings and then tries to upsell them on more expensive products and services,” T-Mobile reportedly said.
In February, Verizon sued T-Mobile for false advertising and for causing irreparable harm with misleading claims of yearly savings of over $1,000 if customers switch carriers.