Charter Agrees To Modify Spectrum Mobile Ad Per NAD Recommendation

Charter Spectrum tech
The NAD ruling was related to Charter’s claim that its Spectrum Internet is America’s “leading” internet service provider. (Image credit: Charter)

Charter Communications has agreed to modify disclosures in its ad campaign after once again receiving a warning from the National Advertising Division

This time, it’s regarding Charter’s recent commercial claim that Verizon customers "will save over $1,500 in their first year if they switch to Spectrum Mobile."

The commercial features two couples, "George and Heidi" with Verizon, and "Dan and Tina" with Spectrum, both stated to have two lines, unlimited data and nationwide 5G. George and Tina are told they pay "way too much" and decide to switch to Spectrum.

On February 21, the NAD, the self-regulatory program run by nonprofit advocacy group BBB National Programs, "concluded that while Charter may compare the pricing of two plans at different “tiers” within the carriers’ offerings, in this context, it must be clear that the lowest tier Spectrum Mobile plan is being compared with a plan that is not Verizon’s lowest tier plan."

"In addition, NAD considered whether the advertising omits material information, specifically, the requirement that one must have Spectrum Internet to take advantage of the offer for Spectrum Mobile." said the recommendation. "NAD determined that the disclosure that Spectrum Internet is required is not clear and conspicuous."

In its advertiser statement, Charter said that "while it 'disagrees that its existing disclosures were insufficient' it 'will comply with NAD’s recommendations to improve the disclosures it includes with its savings claim for Spectrum Mobile.'"

The claims at issue were challenged by Verizon Communications, Inc.

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Jack Reid is a USC Annenberg Journalism major with experience reporting, producing and writing for Annenberg Media. He has also served as a video editor, showrunner and live-anchor during his time in the field.