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FTC charges Broadcom with illegal chip industry monopolization

Broadcom charged with illegal monopolization

The FTC believes that Broadcom has illegally used its market power to force manufacturers into contracts, and forbidding buyers of its chips from making deals with other competitors.

Broadcom is a known Apple supplier that makes components for the iPhone lineup. The company is also known for distributing components for television and broadband internet services.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a complaint that Broadcom is engaging in illegal monopolization practices. Accusations include requiring customers to enter exclusive contracts with the company.

"Today's complaint reflects the Commission's commitment to enforcing the antitrust laws against monopolists, including in high-technology industries," said FTC Bureau of Competition Acting Director Holly Vedova.

"America has a monopoly problem," continued Vedova. "Today's action is a step toward addressing that problem by pushing back against strong-arm tactics by a monopolist in important markets for key broadband components."

The complaint alleges that Broadcom illegally maintained its power in the three monopolized markets by entering long-term agreements with both OEMs and service providers. These agreements required customers to buy required components through Broadcom exclusively or near-exclusively.

Such loyalty agreements create insurmountable barriers for competition to enter a market. The FTC's proposed consent order requires Broadcom to cease all exclusive agreements, loyalty terms, and prevent retaliation against customers for doing business with competing suppliers.

Broadcom provided a statement to AppleInsider on the matter:

"We are pleased to move toward resolving this Broadband matter with the FTC on terms that are substantially similar to our previous settlement with the EC involving the same products. While we disagree that our actions violated the law and disagree with the FTC's characterizations of our business, we look forward to putting this matter behind us and continuing to focus on supporting our customers through an environment of accelerated digital transformation. We are equally pleased that the FTC investigation into our other businesses has been closed without action."

Such requirements shouldn't affect Broadcom's business with Apple, but it could open the door to increased competition in the market. The vote to issue the complaint and present the consent order was passed 4 to 0 with one FTC member abstaining.

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