(Telecompaper) The European Commission (EC) has opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Telefonica Ireland by Hutchison 3G (H3G). The EC is concerned that the deal may reduce competition in the markets for retail mobile telephony and for wholesale access and call origination in Ireland. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 24 March 2014, to take a decision. Its initial market investigation indicated that the proposed acquisition may substantially lessen competition in the retail mobile telephony market in Ireland where 3 Ireland, a subsidiary of H3G, and Telefonica Ireland currently compete with each other.