The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it is suing Broadcom for illegally monopolizing the semiconductor component market and will initiate a public comment process. The FTC stated that Broadcom is suspected of illegally monopolizing the semiconductor component market that provides TV and broadband Internet services "through exclusive transactions and related activities." As one of the few suppliers of various semiconductor components, Broadcom has signed long-term agreements with original equipment manufacturers and service providers to prevent these customers from buying chips from Broadcom's competitors, thereby illegally maintaining its power in the three monopolistic markets.