Brussels, 16/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 16 July, the European Commission opened two formal investigations into possible abusive behaviour by Qualcomm in the field of baseband chipsets used in consumer electronic devices.
Qualcomm is the world's largest supplier of baseband chipsets. which process communication functions in smartphones, tablets and other mobile broadband devices and are used both for voice and data transmission.
The first antitrust investigation focuses on Qualcomm's conditions related to the supply of certain chipsets that comply with 3G and 4G standards and which are used to deliver cellular mobile connectivity in smartphones and tablets. The Commission will investigate whether Qualcomm has granted payments, rebates or other financial incentives to its customers on condition that they purchase all or a significant part of their chipsets requirements from Qualcomm, and whether any such behaviour might hinder the ability of rivals to compete.
The second investigation will assess whether Qualcomm has engaged in 'predatory pricing' by selling chipsets that comply with 3G (UMTS) standards at below cost price in order to force competitors out of the market.
“Many customers use electronic devices such as a mobile phone or a tablet and we want to ensure that they ultimately get value for money. Effective competition is the best way to stimulate innovation,” explained Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. (Élodie Lamer)