Brussels, 01/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - Following a complaint by Option, the only European producer of on-the-move internet equipment, which counts operators Vodaphone of the UK and Telefónica of Spain among its clients, the European Commission is considering whether to open an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese modems, according to diplomatic sources quoted by Reuters. Option claims in its complaint that Chinese modem manufacturers receive public loans, low-interest loans and state support for R&D, the Chinese government seeking to make China a world telecoms and informatics leader. In June, the Commission opened an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese exports of wireless modems. In 2009, China exported close on 25 million wireless modems, trade valued at €1.25 billion. Of modems imported into the EU 90% are Chinese. Anti-subsidy investigations, which usually last 13 months, can result in additional import duties being imposed for a period of five years. Member states will give their response this week to the Commission's proposed investigation. (E.H./transl.rt)