Brussels, 17/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 17 July, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation to verify whether the transfer of public cable infrastructure between 2003 and 2006 by several French municipalities to the French Telecom operator Numericable was in line with EU state aid rules. As Numericable received the infrastructure for free, the transfers gave the company a huge economic advantage over its competitors and therefore constitute state aid. At this stage, the Commission has doubts that such aid could be found compatible with EU rules. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested third parties an opportunity to submit observations on the measure under assessment. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. (LC/transl.fl)