AfterDawn: Tech news

EU probes mobile firms on Android

Written by James Delahunty @ 15 Jun 2013 1:06 User comments (2)

EU probes mobile firms on Android The European Commission is asking mobile providers and handset makers about their deals with Google to use Android, which could potentially lead to another antitrust probe into the Internet giant.
It has sent a questionnaire to providers and handset makers, asking 82 questions about the nature of their dealings with Google, seeking to establish whether the search giant is abusing its power in the mobile space. Respondents have until July 26 to reply, at which point the commission will decide whether there is a case or not.

The action follows an April complaint from Microsoft and Nokia, alleging that Google uses its Android operating system to push its Search, and other services, to the detriment of competitors.

The questionnaire asks the firms whether their agreements with Google make it more difficult or impossible to launch devices with rival operating systems installed. It also questions compatibility requirements and whether Android-powered devices can be freely shipped with mobile services like compete with Google services.



"Android is an open platform that fosters competition. Handset makers, carriers and consumers can decide how to use Android, including which applications they want to use," Google spokesman Al Verney said.

Previous Next  

2 user comments

115.6.2013 22:16

interesting...

221.6.2013 00:05

There is nothing that prevents an individual from from rooting their device and removing all of these so called "pushed services" altogether. Except for a novice it is not very difficult either. Only thing that EU should enforce is that this action on user's part should not void warranty on such devices on account of failed hardware.

Comments have been disabled for this article.

News archive