So it looks like a customer has filed a complaint before the Competition Commission of India under section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 alleging Apple abusing their dominant market position.
The Competition Commission of India will review the complaint in a week but Apple will most likely get off the hook, thanks to the loopholes in the complaint.
Complaint:
Apple is curbing the customer’s choice by limiting the availability of iPhones and iPads in India to a limited number of service providers, besides its signature stores.
Fact:
In spite of the iPhone 4 sold by Aircel and airtel, the phone is unlocked which means it can be used with any operator. Buying with the operators in fact, allows consumers to take advantage of reverse subsidy. Additionally, users can buy these at retailers like Croma, Vijay Sales etc.
Complaint:
User can only download software from the i-store and the others are not recognised by the device.
Fact:
i-store referred here is the App Store. Frankly, Apple isn’t forcing anyone to use the App Store but having a one-stop destination for apps is a good thing. From consumer’s point of view he can get any app he wants from a single place without having to worry about security or quality as the apps on the store are passed only if the app abides with the requisite terms and conditions.
[Via ToI]
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