Japan's Fair Trade Commission says the dominance of US IT giants Google and Apple is undermining competition in the domestic market for smartphone operating systems. It compiled a report urging the government to lay down legal provisions to ensure fair competition.

The commission has been looking into the state of competition for smartphone app stores and operating systems.

It released a report that says Google and Apple have a monopoly on the Japanese market, with a combined share of more than 90 percent.

The commission also says handset users rarely switch app stores and operating systems. It adds that developers offer similar apps for both companies, which helps the two firms to corner the market.

The report urges Google and Apple to allow users more freedom to choose services offered by other companies, and to review their practices so as not to give unfair advantage to their own apps.

The commission also urges the government to lay down a legal framework to ensure fair competition. It plans to discuss details with relevant ministries and agencies.