Mubasher: The European Commission, an institution regulating deals in the European Union (EU), has started an investigation in the proposed acquisition of Tele2 by Dutch Deutsche Telekom, according to an EU statement released late Tuesday.

"We are opening this in-depth investigation to ensure that the proposed transaction between T-Mobile NL and Tele2 NL will not lead to higher prices or less choice in mobile services for Dutch consumers," European commissioner Margrethe Vestager commented.

Under the two companies’ agreement, they will create the third largest operator in the Dutch market.