Sprint and AT&T on Monday reached a settlement -- characterized by both as "amicable" -- over a lawsuit in which Sprint claimed its rival carrier used "numerous deceptive tactics to mislead consumers" with its "5G E" branding. Â
The 5G E identifier popped up on smartphones earlier this year in certain regions where AT&T is expected to roll out its upcoming 5G network, which is scheduled for later this year and throughout 2020. AT&T calls this 5G Evolution. However, 5G E doesn't mean a 4G phone is actually connected to a 5G network, which led Verizon and T-Mobile to slam it as "fake 5G" and Sprint to sue AT&T for false advertising.
News of the settlement was first reported by the site Law360, but the details haven't been released.Â
AT&T's 5G E commercials have continued despite the legal battle, and 5G E continues to play a role in its marketing strategy. The company will continue its 5G Evolution marketing, a person familiar with the company's thinking told CNET.Â
Originally published April 22 at 2:46 p.m. PT.
Update, 8:12 p.m. PT: Adds that AT&T will continue its current marketing.