[middlefunger]

Sycamore, this isn't actually that uncommon. It's known as branding. The ultimate goal of the commercial is not to sell wireless products. The ultimate goal is for you to fix Verizon in your mind as the only wireless services provider. Nike does the same thing in that commercial of shifting athletes. And you're right, it is a great commercial. For more in depth reading about the whole concept of branding, you might want to check out No Logos, by Naomi Klein.