Jul 13 (NHK) - Japan's Fair Trade Commission has accused the Japanese unit of global tech-giant Apple of possibly violating the anti-monopoly law by forcing major mobile service providers to give discounts on their iPhones.
The trade regulator says Apple Japan demanded that the 3 major carriers offer subsidies to allow subscribers to buy their iPhones below the wholesale price.
Carriers effectively complied by charging lower monthly fees for a designated period.
One carrier came up with a plan that offered a cheaper but longer term contract instead of discounting a device.
But Apple failed to agree.
The commission pointed out that this practice blocked carriers from offering price plans of their choice.
Apple Japan reportedly reviewed its contracts with the carriers following the accusation.
Source: ANNnewsCH