AT&T – False Advertising?

Published on December 22nd, 2009

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4053415203_f1616d6994.jpg

Just saw an AT&T commercial saying that on Verizon you can’t surf the web and talk at the same time but on AT&T you can. HUH?

I’m a Droid user and I can surf the web, check email, and use GPS navigation at the same time as well as running any other app I want and it all works. So isn’t this clearly false advertising? I’ve never owned an iPhone but I thought it was the one that couldn’t multitask. Have they fixed that?

UPDATE: Whoops! I swear I remember it did work – but I just tried it and it didn’t work. I wonder if the last “upgrade” screwed it up. I’m going to do more testing.

UPDATE2: Further investigation. The reason I thought it worked was that I had a WIFI connection to the Internet. You can surf and talk at the same time if you have WIFI. So – it appears that AT&T is correct and I’m now disappointed in Verizon.

47 users responded in " AT&T – False Advertising? "

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# 1 GaryInMiami said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:10 am

For the most part you cannot multitask on a non-jail broken iPhone. You’ve always been able to talk on the phone or listen to the iPod while using any other app like the web browser.

# 2 LtSiver said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 am

I’m also a verizon customer, and due to their customization on my phone, It uses 1xrtt when I talk on the phone. So when I try to surf the web while on the phone, the phone tells me I cannot as I am on the phone. I think later versions of the radio chipset probably allow dual use. Nifty that you are able to surf and talk at the same time.

# 3 Cap'nKangaroo said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 am

Cellphone companies lie? Not possible. Next you’ll tell me Santa is not real!

By the way, my Droid is supposed to arrive by FedEx reindeer today.

# 4 dusanmal said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 am

Tested in practice on Leo’s show. Claim is legitimate. What happens when someone calls while you are surfing (iPhone vs. Droid)? What you need to do to make a call (and during the call) – again iPhone vs. Droid? Claim is specific: can’t surf the web and call at the same time.

# 5 Waltersobchack said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 am

Indeed it is true, I have done it dozens of times on my iPhone.

While talking on a call you can open and use the web browser, map application, check email, send and receive texts, etc.

It’s handy to be on the phone with someone and still be able to look something up, but it’s not a groundbreaking game changing reason to get an iPhone.

Personally I’m glad there is the competition from Android/Google. Better devices will result.

# 6 GaryInMiami said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:32 am

>>Claim is specific: can’t surf the web and call at the same time.

#4 is correct in that if you’re surfing the web you cannot make a call without first exiting the web browser.

However, if you’re on a call you can surf the web without first ending the call.

# 7 Godfish said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:37 am

It’s true that I can’t use my Droid web and talk at the same time, but who needs to?

If you have ever tried to read something when your on the phone you will see that you can’t comprehend what your reading. or you will have the person on the phone asking if your still there?

I have an Iphone and a Droid and hands down the Droid is better for me, I’m not a cult member and I don’t like that I can’t download podcasts to the iphone, and for some reason you always need to plug the iphone in the computer to Itunes like it’s a cranky baby that wants it’s mama.

The Droid is solid and never needs a computer.

# 8 Tim said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:39 am

So you can “TALK” and “surf the web” simultaneously on your Droid phone? …. Are you sure?

You must of had a dream because you can’t talk and surf the web at the same time on any CDMA (Verizon, Sprint) phone. But you can on any GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile) phone.

I’d understand if you want to retract this post.

# 9 Marc Perkel said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 am

#4 WOW! I just tried it and you’re right! I was browsing, called the Droid from another line and I couldn’t browse again till I hung up the phone. Maybe I was hallucinating but I do remember that I tried it and it worked.

# 10 Rob said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 7:53 am

As far as I know, you can talk on the phone and use other applications, like the web browser, on the Droid if you’re using wifi.

# 11 Breetai said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 am

I had an Audiovox XV 6900 on Verizon. It was an absolute piece of shit Windows Mobile Crippled it. I’m not sure if internet worked while I had a call, I think it did but Windows Mobile made navigating that thing was painful. I almost threw it out the window this weekend trying to navigate the contacts while on the phone.

# 12 Sam said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:03 am

Tim #8’s comment is correct. It’s specific to CDMA where you can’t do voice and data at the same time. I’m on T-Mobile and can do that, but I’ve never done it and it makes me wonder how many other people ever use data while talking on the phone.

# 13 GigG said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:04 am

#7 “It’s true that I can’t use my Droid web and talk at the same time, but who needs to?”

I’ve used the feature several times on my iPhone to track FedEx packages for clients who called with a delivery problem.

# 14 Jdwusami said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:06 am

This is a flaw in the CDMA network not an issue with a Droid update. GSM is a better but more expense to roll out network. GSM has better features but CDMA is cheaper to roll out yet does not offer as rich an experience. I will say beyond that AT&T has not invested enough in there network but where they have invested the network is the best. The problem is I can drive from one city with a great AT&T 3G experence to a town with no 3G in 20 min. AT&T will be in a better position than Verizon if they start investing much more in there network because they will not need to make the transition from CDMA to GSM like Verizon will need to do during the move from EVDO to LTE. For me I still bet on Verizon doing better as the managment of AT&T sucks. That being said I have used every notable smartphone but still prefer my iPhone 3Gs.

# 15 netposer said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:11 am

@Tim You are wrong. Just because it’s a GSM phone doesn’t mean you can talk and web surf at the same time. You need to have a 3G phone and 3G coverage to do this.

I find it funny that iPhone users and the general public are just figuring this out with ATT’s 3G.

This was the reason I got my Blackberry Bold last year…just so I could talk and get email instead of hanging up and watching my BB go crazy with incoming email.

# 16 Ben said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:16 am

Not being able to use the web and the pphone at the same time is ture, it is actually a limitation of CDMA.

# 17 Frogskins said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:20 am

I just tested this on my Droid. You can NOT actively surf the web while a phone call is in progress. I can however look at my Gmail account (not refreshing), Google Calendar, etc. I can do any of it as long as it doesn’t require a data refresh.

For me, that’s just fine and dandy.

# 18 WanKhairil said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 am

#15 is right. You need both network & phone.

Both CDMA & GSM (phone + network) cannot do both voice and data simultaneously.

Only UMTS (ie, 3G) phone + network is able to do that.

But if you are on CDMA or GSM while you have wifi on at the same time, then you can surf & talk at the same time; cause they are on different networks.

Also refer to MacBreak Weekly podcast episode #168 around minute 47:50.

# 19 Marc Perkel said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:52 am

I posted an update. Perhaps most people don’t need to talk and surf at the same time. But I’m not most people. If I’m taking a support call and I’m walking around somewhere I want to check out the situation while I’m talking to the person.

So – I’m just plain dead wrong on this one, and pissed at Verizon.

# 20 Marc Perkel said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 8:54 am

What I don’t understand is that since it is all a digital connection why is it that you can’t do everything at the same time. In my mind voice is just another data app. But obviously I must be wrong about that.

# 21 Uncle Dave said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 9:09 am

Here’s an interesting article on AT&T’s relationship with Apple.

# 22 Father said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 am

Marc, I brought up this issue in my remark on your Droid review, and you didn’t drill down and explore it further.

This limitation is the reason I’m now waiting for the public release of the “Google” phone. If it is worth while, and possible, I’ll be replacing my iPhone with this device on AT&T. I’m going to read all the reviews I can before spending $500+ on the unlocked version.

# 23 qb said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 10:08 am

I love these arguments, which terrific phone is better? 5 years ago I dreamed of devices like this, now I have choices.

What we really need is the phone companies to be blown off who are doing everything they can to stay relevant instead of middlemen. Let’s open up the white spectrum, have a multitude of mobile devices (phones, tablets, netbooks, and who know what else?) then watch the fun.

# 24 Father said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 am

The crime here is the $350 ETF.

God help me if I have to sign another contract.

# 25 Nitroneo said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 10:11 am

Sorry to hear, but then again being an AT&T user I already knew… wait until you hit more lockdowns, er I mean customization… yea thats it. Gotta love the VZW fail

# 26 bill said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 am

Someday we will all get what we want…. Probably when there is some kind of break thru in batteries…

I still enjoy using the things..

# 27 Marc Perkel said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 11:36 am

I also see myself replacing my Driod someday. Although I think Driod is definitely one of the coolest phones right now – it definitely has a version 1 look and feel.

# 28 Named said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 11:59 am

HTC Magic on Rogers – surfing and phone calls = no problemo.

Love my Android.

# 29 Joe said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm

Now you’re disappointed in Verizon? It’s widely known that CDMA doesn’t support concurrent voice and data. You’re pretty noobish to be posting articles on a tech blog.

# 30 madtruckman said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm

ok, lets be honest. how many times have you really tried to surf the web AND make a call at the same time?? at least i can have 3G service where i live, unlike ATT, who thinks i just really dont matter….

# 31 Waltersobchack said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 1:31 pm

Marc Perkel you added two updates, why not change the title to reflect your findings?

Perhaps something like “AT&T’s True Advertising- Disappointed in Verizon”.

Not trying to be a dick but just a thought for some added integrity since your question could have been answered with a few minutes on the google instead of posting a false adverstising claim with a question mark.

Either way at least you posted updates to somewhat set the record straight.

# 32 rctaylor said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm

To me the choice still comes down to coverage. Verizon now practically owns my area since they bought Alltel. It’s CDMA or about five square miles in the center of town. AT&T choose to chase the dense market areas for data, which is probably a good idea. Most people I know in this area goes for the freebie phone with a contract. I’ll pickup an Android based phone when my contract is up in Feb.. I hope they have one without the slide keyboard by then, but still a large screen.

# 33 KMFIX said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm

Headline should be changed..

I bet Verison will upgrade what ever needs to be upgraded to make this happen, so when they have the iPhone, it will work.

# 34 Father said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm

KMFIX, there may be the need to buy a new phone to upgrade to the upcoming LTE Standard, if I understand currectly. There is a lot to read about the new standards, and it has been a few weeks since I last researched the issues. Start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G.

Really, people should consider waiting for 4G before spending a lot if money on a new smartphone.

# 35 jeroen said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Marc Perkel

please make yourself known with CDMA and GSM-technologies before you try and pretend to be a tech journalist!

# 36 Barack McCain said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 4:33 pm

Just amateurish journalism. In the future, do your research first; Journalism 101.

# 37 BigBoyBC said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm

What difference does any of this make? It’s a issue that a software update may resolve.

AT&T is just grasping at straws to get back at Verizon because of the beating their taking from the Verizon 3G map adverts.

Which is a issue AT&T can’t easily resolve.

# 38 A Nony Mouse said, on December 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm

Dumbass Perkel. I called you on this on your first Droid post. Good job!

# 39 Uncle Patso said, on December 23rd, 2009 at 1:27 am

Anyone else remember Miss Emily Litella from the old Saturday Night Live?

“Never mind!”

# 40 Hmeyers said, on December 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 am

Don’t knock Perkel, he did the honorable thing and updated his article with corrections.

Everyone makes mistakes.

I mean, it is a little funny some of his blog entries that were mistaken (“Forever stamps” he was wrong, for instance).

Show me someone who doesn’t make mistakes and I’ll show you someone who never does anything

# 41 LOWER CASE SCREEN NAME said, on December 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 am

#34 – It’ll be a couple of years before any 4G network is rolled out enough to matter. By then we’ll all need new phones to handle other tech changes that will have happened. I wouldn’t hold off on a smart phone now.

Anyone can cover cities. The reason Verizon’s network is superior is they cover the areas that matter: non-cities. Cities are disgusting places we are forced to go into at times. We need data coverage where life is worth living.

# 42 Gilberto said, on December 23rd, 2009 at 6:22 am

That was on Twit a few weeks ago John!

# 43 Sea Lawyer said, on December 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 am

This is the same story if you are using EDGE on AT&T (as the original iPhone did) – You can’t use voice and data at the same time.

# 44 pedro said, on December 24th, 2009 at 6:42 am

Still, if you wanna have fun with your oy!phone acquaintances, just watch them when they’re most focused on whatever they’re doing on that toy piece of junk (most likely a dumb game) and call them. Endless source of fun.

# 45 Pegoto said, on December 24th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

FAIL!

Anyway, its not a fight between Driod and iPhone, it is CDMA vs GSM. CDMA is crap and GSM FTW.

# 46 vw said, on December 26th, 2009 at 7:32 am

Actually EVDO allows for simultaneous voice and data, but neither sprint nor verizon has implemented it, instead putting their energies into better networks.

# 47 Slavencia said, on January 8th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

I had someone tell me they can surf the web and be on a call at the same time with the sprint network a few days ago. I also called Sprint who said this capability has been available for a few months on the Sprint network. Does anyone know if this is true? I saw the press release on the cdma tech website that said this was coming soon dated Aug 17 2009 with EVDO Rev A and 1x on cdma network but found nothing else. Did sprint already get this upgrade with no big buzz about it? Or maybe this Spint user was just connected to a wi-fi network.

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