A French commercial court ordered Google France to pay 500.000 euros for being anti-competitive by offering Google maps for free. A French company is also offering the same service (maps) but obviously for a fee. For example, if a Verizon customer gets the Xperia PLAY can choose between two services, Google maps for free or Verizon’s VZ Navigator for $10 per month. Now I can see why the company is complaining about free maps. Bottin Cartographes, the French mapping company which filed the complaint, argues that Google is providing Google maps for free to eliminate its competitors. The half million euros was for the damages and interest and Google also fined with 15.000 euros for its practice. Google France will appeal the decision.
Source: [Tom’s Guide]