The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Monday that it has opened a market investigation into Motorola Solutions Inc.’s Airwave network.
The regulator said the investigation will look at the effect of the company’s dual role as the owner of the current mobile radio network and key supplier to the U.K.’s new Emergency Services Network.
The regulator said that it was concerned that the market for the supply of the mobile radio network used by the U.K.’s emergency services might not be working well, and that this could result in a more expensive service for customers and taxpayers.
Motorola’s Airwave network is the infrastructure and services that enable the U.K.’s police, fire and emergency services to communicate with each other when first responders are working in the field.
“As the sole provider of critical mobile radio network services used by our emergency services, we’re concerned that Motorola could be cashing in on its position, leaving taxpayers to cover the cost. We’re now referring this market for a full investigation so that we can thoroughly examine these concerns and, if necessary, take action to address any problems,” Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said.