Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is planning legal action against Apple, alleging that by promoting its new iPad with 4G capabilities which don’t work in the area, it is contravening Australian consumer law.
In a press release, the ACCC claims Apple is promoting its latest tablet as the new “iPad with WiFi and 4G” in Australia. However, as the iPad’s 4G capabilities do not work in Australia, the ACCC believes Apple is misleading consumers and is infringing a number of sections within Australia’s consumer law.
The new iPad was unveiled at the start of the month, which included 4G LTE connectivity. However, this only works on AT&T and Verizon networks in the US and on Bell, Rogers and Telus networks in Canada, which run on the 700MHz and 2100MHz spectrums.
In Australia, network provider Telstra has its own 4G provider on the 1800MHz spectrum, which is incompatible with the new iPad.
The ACCC is seeking orders which include injunctions, pecuniary penalties, corrective advertising and refunds to consumers over the issue.