The spat between AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) over Verizon’s “There’s a map for that” TV campaign just keeps getting better. First, Verizon launches the attack ad TV campaign that parodies Apple’s catchy App Store ads to show that Verizon’s 3G network is far more extensive than AT&T’s. Then, AT&T files a lawsuit, saying the ads are misleading. Now, AT&T has sent a internal memo to employees, telling them that if anyone asks about the campaign or lawsuit, they can use it as an opportunity to set the record straight.

In the memo, obtained by Mobile Crunch, AT&T writes: “Independent research shows that the maps in the advertisements mislead consumers into believing that we do not offer any wireless service in the vast majority of the country.” Some of things that employees can remind people about are as simple as: having the “best network,” “the best coverage worldwide,” and having “The nation’s fastest 3G network.”

For sure, AT&T’s been a bit defensive about the perception that it suffers from more dropped calls than other carriers. At CTIA, AT&T’s CTO Jon Donovan said: “I know what you are thinking that I’m ignoring the criticisms. I read the blogs and I sometimes monitor Twitter…but I don’t plan the network based on blogs. We plan them based on the needs of customers, and no one knows more about the customer experience than AT&T.”

A copy of the memo follows:

  Channels: COR, DMDR, LD, and NR Internal
  Roles: Reps & Above
  Markets: All
  Contact: Your Manager

  AT&T filed a lawsuit on November 4, 2009 against Verizon’s “There’s a Map for That” advertising campaign. Independent research shows that the maps in the advertisements mislead consumers into believing that we do not offer any wireless service in the vast majority of the country. In fact, AT&T’s 2.5G EDGE network covers 1.75 million square miles of the United States, reaching some 296 million people, roughly the same number reached by Verizon’s network. This network supports popular services like e-mail, surfing the Web, texting, and voice calling, including the activities shown in the Verizon TV advertisements. In addition, our 3G service, the nation’s fastest, is available in more than 9,400 cities and towns.

  We filed the lawsuit in Federal District Court in Atlanta and asked that Verizon be prohibited from misleading consumers regarding the scope of our wireless network.

  How should I respond to customers who ask about the lawsuit?

  While we cannot speculate on the complaint filed, it is a great opportunity to remind customers of AT&T’s many advantages that over 81 million customers enjoy, including:

      * Best Network
      * The best coverage worldwide (More Bars in More PlacesTM).
      * The nation’s fastest 3G network and the only national 3G carrier providing simultaneous voice and data usage.
      * The most devices that work in the most places including Japan and South Korea (3G 2100 MHz device required).
      * The nation’s largest wireless and wireline broadband provider.
      * The nation’s largest company-owned and operated WiFi network with more than 20,000 hotspots, including Starbucks, McDonald’s and Barnes and Noble (NYSE: BKS), as well as access to over 120,000 hotspots around the world.
      * The leading provider of local and long distance voice services.

      Greatest Value – The fairest value with Rollover® allowing customers to keep their unused minutes month to month.
      Best Products - The most innovative exclusive devices such as the iPhoneTM 3GS.
      Most Convenient Services
      The most customer friendly free self-service tools with Services for checking usage, paying bills, and adding features.
      * The most convenient and cost-effective way for customers to manage their accounts with Combined Billing for wireless and wireline products.
      * Industry leading 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

  As always, if you have an inquiry from the media, please refer them to your local media relations team member.

• @ CTIA: AT&T’s CTO Defends Network Quality; ‘I Don’t Plan The Network Based On Blogs’