(Telecompaper) The European Commission has closed the preliminary investigation into how Europe's leading telecommunications operators develop standards for mobile services. In March 2012 the commission requested information from Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom, Telefonica, Vodafone and Telecom Italia and the mobile sector association GSMA about the way standards for future mobile communications services are being developed. The commission was concerned the standardisation processes led by major telecom operators could be used strategically to exclude other companies. The EC noted that the standardisation work formerly conducted by the E5 has been transferred to the GSMA and other industry associations. The commission welcomed this transfer, saying it allows more stakeholder participation. "It is a positive step that reduces the risk of standard-setting work affecting competition negatively" and therefore, the commission is closing its preliminary investigation. The EC said it will "remain watchful" of how standardisation processes evolve in the sector.