EC unplugs Microsoft from Telewest.(European Commission blocks Microsoft's bid to take joint control of Telewest)(Brief Article)

BRUSSELS The European Commission has dealt a blow to Microsoft's plans for the European cable TV market. The software giant has been building up stakes in players Telewest, NTL and UPC, analysts believe, in order to corner the market for set-top box software.

The EC has now prevented Microsoft from taking over joint control of U.K. cabler Telewest, on concerns that Microsoft would dominate the set-top box market.

Brussels believes that if Microsoft had exercised joint control over Telewest, competition in the software market could have been stifled, leading to higher costs for consumers.

The EC said: "In this emerging market, the Commission …