EU offers mixed view on Microsoft browser plan

BRUSSELS, June 11 (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Thursday a move by Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) to ship the newest version of its Windows system in Europe with Internet Explorer could be detrimental to consumer choice but may have benefits in the computer manufacturer channel.

"...The Commission had suggested to Microsoft that consumers be provided with a choice of web browsers," the Commission, which is shortly due to rule on anti-trust charges brought against Microsoft, said in a statement.

"Instead Microsoft has apparently decided to supply retail consumers with a version of Windows without a web browser at all. Rather than more choice, Microsoft seems to have chosen to provide less."

"As for sales to computer manufacturers, Microsoft's proposal may potentially be more positive," it added, noting that computer manufacturers would appear to be able to choose to install Internet Explorer or another browser. (Reporting by Mark John)