Motorola Loses Appeal Over UK Emergency Services Price Cap

Motorola has been denied permission to appeal the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) ruling that it was making excessive profits on its contract to provide emergency communications. The Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed Motorola’s request, upholding the regulator’s decision to cap prices on the Airwave network.

The CMA imposed the price cap in July 2023, reducing annual charges by an estimated £200 million ($248 million) to align with competitive market expectations. Motorola had unsuccessfully challenged the ruling in a tribunal last year.

CMA Executive Director George Lusty welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it ensures fair pricing for emergency services using the Airwave network. “Today’s judgment brings this matter to a close,” he said.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) expressed disappointment but reaffirmed its commitment to supporting UK emergency services with critical communications. A company spokesperson emphasized that land mobile radio networks like Airwave remain the preferred choice for public safety agencies worldwide.

Despite strongly disagreeing with the CMA’s decision, Motorola said it remains focused on delivering high-quality emergency communications to UK public safety users.