Apple may face probe in India for anti-competitive practices

Apple's business practices in India may come in for scrutiny for anti-competitive behaviour in connection with iPhone 4 sales in India.

IDG News reported today that a Competition Commission of India official said a case was filed against Apple about a month ago. 

The company faces allegations of having violated competition law by selling iPhone 4 through only two mobile operators, Bharti Airtel and Aircel, the IDG report said.

According to the official who spoke without indentifying himself, the Commission would look in the merits of the complaint, without disclosing the identity of the complainant.

The report said an Apple official in India claimed the company had not received any notice from the Competition Commission. He added that the iPhone 4 was being sold unlocked through the two operators and other retail channels and the data plans bundled by the operators were optional, and at the discretion of the user.

Airtel and Aircel are offering the iPhone 4 with discounted data plans that promise to help the user recover the upfront cost of the phone. Both commenced sale of the iPhone 4 in May and leverage the third-generation wireless spectrum that they acquired in an auction.

The complaint also objects that apps for the iPhone 4 are available only from the Apple store and the devices can be serviced at Apple service centres, according to local media reports.