Time Warner will have to stop using the words “fiber optic” to describe its broadband network. Verizon, whose Fios service is a bona fide fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service, took issue with some of Time Warner’s advertising, complained to the relevant board, and walked away with a favorable ruling. Done and done.
Recent Time Warner advertisements used stirring language along the lines of: our “advanced fiber optic network delivers the future to you… for less.”
The future, Conan?
The problem with that language is that while some of Time Warner’s broadband infrastructure is, indeed, fiber optic, the so-called “last mile” is plain ol’ coaxial cable. Compare that to Verizon and its Fios service, which is fiber optic from soup to nuts.
Bottom line is, Verizon complained to National Advertising Review Board, the board agreed with its complaint, and then told Time Warner to change the wording. Time Warner, having “exhausted its appeals,” will now update its advertising to reflect the fact that it’s not a true fiber-to-the-home situation.