Nokia phone maker HMD Global supports Google in EU antitrust fine appeal

Google has come under fire by the European Union for its practice of requiring Android firms to bundle in apps like Google Chrome and the Google Search alongside Android in order to gain access to the Google Play Store. The firm was slapped with a 4.3 billion Euro fine which it is currently appealing.

Google has found allies not only among Gigaset Communications but also HMD Global Oy. For the unfamiliar, HMD Global is the current manufacturer of Nokia phones and prides itself on the usage of stock Android and fast updates.

The EU’s Margrethe Vestager had this to say about the fine when initially applied:

Google has used Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine. These practices have denied rivals the chance to innovate and compete on the merits. They have denied European consumers the benefits of effective competition in the important mobile sphere. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules.

In response, Google simply argues that Android has created more choice in the market. “Today, because of Android, there are more than 24,000 devices, at every price point, from more than 1,300 different brands, including Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish and Swedish phone makers,” said CEO Sundar Pichai.

The appeal will begin next year.

Source: Reuters