Exploring Potential Anti-Trust Issues Facing Apple iMessage

Tim Cook's Blunt Response To Green Bubbles Show Something Else About Him

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and digital communication, Apple's iMessage has emerged as a dominant player in the messaging app market. However, this popularity and Apple's tight control over iMessage's functionalities have raised concerns about potential anti-trust issues. Let's delve into why iMessage might be under scrutiny from a legal and regulatory standpoint.

The Dominance of iMessage

Why an Apple Smartwatch that Only Works with iPhone Might Face Legal Scrutiny

In the competitive world of technology and consumer electronics, product exclusivity and compatibility have become hot topics, often leading to debates around consumer rights and fair competition. Apple's ecosystem is known for its seamless integration and interoperability, but the exclusivity of certain products like the Apple Watch, which only works with iPhones, has raised eyebrows and potentially legal concerns. Let's delve into why this exclusivity might be seen as problematic from a legal standpoint.

The Issue of Anti-Competitive Practices

Clearwire CEO T-Mobile Founder Objects to AT&T Merger

Former Voicestream Wireless (T-Mobile USA) founder and now Clearwire's new CEO John Stanton the "Wireless Wiz Kid" in an interview on CNBC voiced his objection to the proposed AT&T buyout of T-Mobile. AT&T's device exclusivity was already a problem with AT&T, such as its recently ended iPhone exclusive. The concentration of buying power would only get worse if the carrier had that much more clout and 130M, customers. John Stanton does not approve of the merger between T-Mobile and AT&T and yet he struggles with his view because he doesn't want the US Government to get involved but thinks it has to.

AT&T & Verizon Control 85% of Total Wireless Industry Ad Spend

How can smaller regional wireless carriers possibly compete with the advertising giants of AT&T and Verizon who have historically controlled 85% of the advertising market?  Does the Obama administration take this into account when considering anti-trust issues or do they just consider whether there is access at the local level by other carriers?  The entire advertising market across TV, newspapers, and the Internet amounts to approximately $1.3B dollars according to Bernstein Research. Here is a breakdown of how the wireless industry spends advertising dollars amongst the top players.

Jim Cramer: Department of Justice Should Not Approve AT&T T-Mobile Deal

"The Department of Justice Should Not Approve This Deal"

Jim Cramer of Mad Money thinks the AT&T and T-mobile deal will ultimately get approved but does not think it should be approved by the Department of Justice.  He thinks it will be terrible for consumers and wonderful for shareholders.  Jim went on to interview Ralph de La Vega of AT&T who is trying to sell the benefits of the deal and Dan Hesse of Sprint who objects to the merger for market competitive reasons.

Block the AT&T & T-Mobile Merger

Customer Churn: Coverage vs.Contracts

Contracts Reduce Customer Churn . . . Not Service

It has become fairly obvious that if AT&T's lost its' current iPhone or iPad exclusivity contract that they would suffer tremendous customer carnage.  Every person I speak with tells me that if AT&T didn't have them locked into a Blackberry or iPhone contract they would switch to another smaller carrier.  Unlike, Europe where you can purchase a phone 1st and pick a wireless carrier 2nd.  US customers are only offered subsidized phones that lock them into exclusive carrier contracts.  It's bogus in my opinion and should get more government regulation by the FCC who continues to be a pussy on this topic.