Request for Comments on Competition in the Mobile App Ecosystem

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is requesting comments on competition in the mobile application ecosystem.  The data gathered through this process will be used to inform the Biden-Harris Administration’s competition agenda, including, but not limited to, the Department of Commerce’s work developing a report to submit to the Chair of the White House Competition Council regarding the mobile application ecosystem. This study is aimed at examining unique aspects of competition involving apps on mobile phones and tablets. In doing so, the NTIA recognizes that the general mobile ecosystem is comprised of a number of distinct types of entities and interrelated markets. Mobile service providers play a role in a range of relevant aspects, including broadband service and determining which apps are pre-loaded or set as defaults. At the same time, functionality and app distribution are also dependent upon operating systems and app stores, which function as sub-ecosystems. NTIA is seeking to look beyond the general to examine particular environments in which different types of apps and associated businesses operate.

Comments are due on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 23, 2022.