One of these companies has had a pretty good year, business-wise; the other one… not so much. And yet, here they compete as equals in the Worst Company In America fighting pit.

For all its reported 3 million iPads sold, people still seem to dislike Apple, with more than 60% of first round voters choosing the electronics giant over the privacy-invaders at Google.

AT&T had an even easier go of it against Verizon. In spite of the fact that Verizon is the largest wireless provider — and perhaps because of AT&T’s failed attempt at leap-frogging into the #1 position — the Death Star still scared up nearly 80% of readers’ votes in Round One.

Not so long ago, these two companies’ fates were intertwined. But with AT&T’s iPhone exclusivity now a piece of high-tech history, it’s every business for itself.

Now is the time on Sprockets when we vote!

(Voting on this poll will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 25.)

If you like competing for free stuff, there’s a sweepstakes on the Consumerist Facebook page that lets you pick who you think will win the Golden Poo. The prize packages includes the usual T-shirts and coffee mugs, but also our own Laura Northrup will knit you a little something nice. Go HERE for details.

This is a post in our Worst Company In America 2012 series. The companies competing for this honor were chosen by you, the readers. See the entire WCIA 2012 bracket and schedule of match-ups HERE.

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