Microsoft carefully comments on net neutrality

Where has Microsoft been in the net neutrality debate? The company was a vocal supporter of net neutrality three years ago, but has been largely absent from the discussion this year.

According to BroadbandCensus.com, Microsoft is "gingerly" weighing in with this statement:

“Microsoft supports the right of consumers to access Internet content, services, and applications of their choice and to connect any non-harmful device to their broadband connections,” said a Microsoft spokesman.

(The most interesting part of the comment is in the next sentence.)

“We also believe that Congress should ensure that network operators are able to offer last mile service enhancements and tiers of service, either to consumers or to online service providers and that those enhanced offerings must not unfairly interfere with the ability of consumers to access online content, products, and services of their choice or with the ability of online providers to deliver their products to consumers over the network operator’s facilities,” the spokesman continued.

The article characterized the comments as "splitting the difference between the hardening battle lines between Google and AT&T." The previous portion could be read to indicate that Microsoft is actually more closely aligned with AT&T on the matter.

What are your thoughts?