Cablevision Sues Verizon, Alleges False Advertising Over WiFi Speeds

Cablevision is taking exception to Verizon's claims that its Wi-Fi service is the fastest available, claims the wireless telecom has made in television, radio, and Internet ads. The way Cablevision sees it, Verizon is making "deceptive" claims intended to "mislead consumers," so it went and filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court in Central Islip, New York.

"Verizon's claim that it has faster Wi-Fi than Cablevision is false, deceptive, and designed to mislead consumers," Cablevision said. "Verizon has no public Wi-Fi network. In addition, Verizon’s in-home routers are not faster than Optimum Smart Routers and cost Verizon customers hundreds of dollars while Optimum’s are free."

Cablevision points out that Verizon charges $199.99 for its routers, which are limited to in-home use, while its own in-home Smart Routers are free and offer both a private Wi-Fi network and a publicly accessible Wi-Fi hotspot.

The cable company also believes that Verizon is trying to overshadow the launch of its low-cost Wi-Fi phone service called Freewheel.

"It is not a coincidence that Verizon is making false Wi-Fi claims just as Cablevision is introducing its all-Wi-Fi Freewheel phone, which will allow consumers to avoid Verizon’s data caps and excessive data overage fees," Cablevision added. This is yet another in a long line of Verizon advertising falsehoods designed to fool the public and we are calling on the court to stop Verizon."

Naturally, Verizon sees things differently. Verizon spokeswoman Deidre Hart responded to the accusations by saying, "This is a boldface ploy to promote Cablevision's latest wireless gambit."