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From: jet@karazm.math.uh.edu (J. Eric Townsend)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Can AT&T "Attack" a Specific Carrier?
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Date: 17 Sep 90 00:30:37 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 651, Message 9 of 9


In a propaganda class the other day, we were watching an episode of
Nightline.  It was full of Sprint's "Lighten up, AT&T" series of
adverts.

My question is this: Could AT&T, if it wanted, decide to attack
carrier X?  ie: "Carrier X says they give you better prices, but it's
not true.  AT&T is much cheaper."  Or are they somehow legally
required to say: "Some other carriers say they give you better prices,
but it's not true."?


J. Eric Townsend -- University of Houston Dept. of Mathematics (713) 749-2120
Internet: jet@uh.edu    Bitnet: jet@UHOU   Skate UNIX(r)


[Moderator's Note: Although most successful advertising consists of
positive statements about one's own products rather than negative
comments directed to one's competition, there is no law they cannot
advertise their competitor's shortcomings if they wish to do so,
naming those shortcomings specifically; libelous and slanderous
statements excluded, of course. Please note also the courts have ruled
there is a big difference between 'free speech' when citizens speak
it, and 'commercial speech'.  Some fine points of law might apply.
Inquire in misc.legal.  PAT]