FTC OKs Order Barring Broadcom's ‘Anticompetitive Behavior’
The FTC approved a final order requiring Broadcom to “cease its anticompetitive behavior,” said the agency Thursday. The chipmaker “illegally monopolized markets” for semiconductors used to deliver TV and broadband internet services “through exclusive dealing and related conduct,” it said.…
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The order prohibits Broadcom from signing certain types of “exclusivity or loyalty agreements” to supply customers with “key chips” for traditional broadcast set-tops and DSL and fiber broadband internet devices, said the FTC. “Broadcom also must stop conditioning access to or requiring favorable supply terms for these chips on customers committing to exclusivity or loyalty for the supply of related chips.” The order also bars Broadcom from retaliating against customers for doing business with its competitors. Broadcom didn’t respond to requests for comment.