Taiwan Fines Apple for iPhone Price-Plan Meddling

Apple has been fined 20 million New Taiwan dollars (US$670,000) and ordered to stop interfering with mobile service providers and handset distributors' pricing, Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission said.

Apple can appeal but may face a fine up to NT$50 million if it doesn't comply, the commission said. It found the Cupertino-based company violated article 18 of Taiwan's Fair Trade Act by telling Taiwan's three main service providers how much to sell iPhones for. Apple also asked Chunghwa Telecom, Far Eastone Telecommunication and Taiwan Mobile to adjust rates. The US computer company has no right to meddle in companies' iPhone pricing plans after selling them distribution rights, the commission said. The three carriers can distribute or resell iPhones at their complete discretion after paying Apple for those rights, the commission added.

[Dec 25]