Facts about Google’s acquisition of Motorola

Good for competition

Multiple device makers and operating systems

Mobile computing is highly competitive. Google, Apple, Microsoft, Research in Motion and Nokia all make smartphone operating systems. Apple, RIM and Nokia also make their own devices, in addition to a number of other large manufacturers. Microsoft and Nokia also have a very tight and highly-integrated partnership.

• Android currently is the most popular open-source option for mobile computing. Faster innovation and strong patent protection are good for the whole Android ecosystem.
• Since the first Android phone launched in October 2008, Android devices have injected competition into mobile computing, giving consumers, applications developers and mobile carriers high-quality alternatives to products like Apple’s iPhone and iPad and RIM’s BlackBerry.
• Diversity and choice are key to a healthy industry. With competition, consumers get better mobile devices at lower prices.
• Google wants to encourage as many handset makers as possible to use Android because Android helps mobile users get online. And online advertising is Google’s core business.
  • Google has no incentive to close off Android to other hardware manufacturers, limiting itself the way Apple and Research in Motion have.
  • The Android ecosystem depends on a range of manufacturers and software developers adding their innovations to Android. Cutting that off would be bad for Android.

What we aren’t doing

• Closing the Android ecosystem: Android will continue to be an open platform, available to all device manufacturers and software developers.
• Favoring Motorola Mobility over other hardware manufacturers: Google will continue to work with all its hardware partners. They support this acquisition.
• Forcing partners to use Google Search: No matter what rivals might say, this deal has nothing to do with search. Android is an open system. Hardware manufacturers can choose. Mobile carriers can choose. Users can choose.

What the experts say

Antitrust experts and industry players think Google and Motorola Mobility together will enhance competition in mobile computing, offering consumers faster innovation and a wider range of choices:

• Computer & Communications Industry Association President and Chief Executive, Ed Black: “That [partner] support signals that other device makers believe Google wants to protect and grow its Android business — and see Android used on as many mobile devices as possible — rather than restrict access to the platform.” (AP via ABC News, 8/16/2011)
• Former FTC antitrust official and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, David Balto: “If anything, antitrust regulators may see the deal as a boost to competition. Android is such a crucial competitor to the iPhone in particular, that allowing Google to buy Motorola Mobility will likely produce even more innovation in smartphones and other devices.” (AP via ABC News, 8/16/2011)
• Senior Vice President of France Telecom Orange, Yves Maitre: “I believe it is always good to have very strong players and very integrated ones. We welcome strong competitors to Apple, and Motorola and Google will be this type of very strong competitor.” (All Things Digital, 8/15/2011)