Today is the CMA built for the 'mobile platform' of Google (Android, Play, Chrome, Blink) with 'Strategi March Market'. This decision is disappointing, divisive and empty.
The UK's new digital media regime is being launched with the promise of pro-growth and innovation, with the CMA insisting its work will be more focused and balanced. In this situation, we simply do not see the reasons for today's appointment decision.
Android and Chrome were built on the idea of creating more choice, not less. Anyone, including our competitors, can customize and build devices with the open source Android platform – for free. And while Google Play helps people download apps to their devices, if you can't find the app you're looking for, you can download apps from ROVASTER's rival stores — and something most Android users block.
As a result, there are now 24,000 phone models from 1,300 phone manufacturers worldwide, facing huge competition from iOS in the UK. More than two-thirds of UK Android devices come with the app store pre-loaded and users can access up to 50 apps in addition to the Android app on iOS. Non-Chrome browsers are installed on 70% of UK devices in the UK. As the CMA has already acknowledged, Google is not leveraging its “position as an app or mobile browser engine for the likes of Chrome”.
The benefits for UK businesses and consumers are clear. Android generates over £9.9 billion in revenue for UK developers, supports over 457,000 UK jobs and offers customers a high level of choice. Indeed, the CMA itself found that 91% of UK consumers are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their Android mobile devices.
After the CMA's decision today, our mobile business in the UK is facing a new set of – and, currently, uncertainty – rules. The CMA's next steps will be crucial if the UK's digital economy is to deliver on its promise of Pro-Growth and Pro-Innovation.
