FTC Charges Broadcom With Monopolizing Chip Market

 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a complaint charging chip supplier Broadcom with monopolizing the market. The agency said on Friday the company used exclusive deals to monopolize semiconductor components that are used to deliver broadband and television internet services. 
 
The FTC also issued a proposed agreement that would settle the Commission’s charges. Under the proposed deal, Broadcom must stop requiring its customers to source components from Broadcom on an exclusive or close to an exclusive basis.
 
The “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.” She said the 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.” Continue Reading