EU looking into Apple practices
2013-03-22 17:07
Brussels - EU competition watchdogs said on Friday they
were "looking into" potential anti-trust issues at iPad and iPhone
giant Apple, following queries raised by telecommunications operators.
"The European Commission has been made aware of
Apple distribution practices for iPads and iPhones," a spokesperson for EU
Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia told a regular news briefing.
He said there had been "no formal complaints"
lodged with the authority, but added that inspectors were "looking
into" the issues raised.
"Samsung's growing market position and the success
of Google [operating system Android] gives good reason to believe there is
healthy competition" in this market, Antoine Colombani told journalists.
"We will of course intervene if there are indications
of anti-competitive behaviour," he emphasised.
The queries were raised by mobile telephone operators
based on commercial terms negotiated by Apple.
EU authorities earlier this month fined Microsoft $730m
for failing to provide customers with a choice of Internet browser.
Brussels is also reviewing proposals from Google aimed at
ending a probe into its dominance of online search advertising platforms as
part of a determined drive into the information and communications technology
(ICT) sector.
- SAPA
