A PYMNTS Company

Canada: Watchdog reveals details of Apple probe

By  |  December 15, 2014

Canada’s Competition Bureau has revealed more details about its investigation into Apple for anticompetitive conduct since first revealing the case last week.

Reports emerged just days ago that Apple was the target of a competition probe into its contracts with wireless operators. While details are scarce, court filings by the Bureau now show that Apple is suspected of forcing higher wireless costs on consumers because of those contracts. Authorities are concerned that Apple’s market power has allowed the company to force mobile carriers to charge higher prices for iPhone rivals.

Reporters obtained the filing on Friday, but the affidavit was filed last Tuesday; the documents list ways Apple’s operations in Canada potentially harmed competition. That list includes claims the company discouraged carriers from offering rival handsets or reducing the price of those handsets.

Apple was reportedly notified of the investigation last April.

Full content: Reuters

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.