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Phillipines: Mobile service bundles are not anticompetitive, say experts

By  |  December 5, 2012

Experts are saying that while the recent trend of internet content providers partnering with mobile operators to bundle data connection with online services may ignite antitrust complaints, the practice is not an antitrust issue as long as the agreement does not shut out other companies from doing the same. The topic of discussion arose in the context of Google launching Free Zone in the Philippines in November through a partnership with Globe Telecom. Through the partnership, Globe Telecom subscribers can also have access to Google services for free. The deal was also expanded in South Africa. An expert cited in the story did point out, however, that this issue may fall into the category of antitrust if a partnership were to form if competition is hampered in either sector, or if a dominant company in one sector enters into a partnership with intentions of entering another sector of the market.

Full Content: ZDNet

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