South Korea’s antitrust regulator, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), will allow Apple Korea to map out a set of measures to address its anti-competitive business practices, a move that could end a dispute over its alleged violation of competition law, reports the Korea Herald.
Apple Korea has been criticized by local mobile carriers for passing the costs for smartphone sales — including advertising costs, launch events and repair costs — to them. Domestic media reports have reported that the FTC was reviewing details of the U.S. firm’s contracts with South Korean mobile telecoms carriers. The commission is South Korea’s regulatory authority for economic competition. It was established in 1981 within the Economic Planning Boar
The FTC said it will review detailed corrective measures crafted by Apple Korea and decide whether to approve them. Under the law, an applicant is required to state a correction scheme necessary to restore competition practices or to improve business practices, and to remedy or prevent damage to consumers and other business entities.
The Korea Herald says that, as part of corrective measures, Apple Korea has proposed holding consultations with South Korean mobile phone carriers to reduce their burden and share the cost related to advertisements.
