Users speculate that intervention by the Chinese government created the problem Access to Microsoft’s Hotmail service in China was restored late Friday, ending a period of intermittent disruptions that lasted more than two weeks.The problem was resolved just days before a planned visit by Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, who is currently in Beijing.The disruptions prevented many Chinese Hotmail users from accessing their accounts. “I’m really angry,” one Chinese Hotmail user said last week, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Chinese Hotmail user started using Google’s rival Gmail service when Hotmail was not accessible. She was pleased to have access to Hotmail restored on Friday, but said she won’t give up on Gmail. “I will continue to use both,” she said Monday.Microsoft blamed the problem on unspecified technical difficulties with carrier networks in China. But that didn’t stop users from speculating that other factors, such as intervention by the Chinese government, were involved.The Chinese government regularly blocks access to Web sites offering content that it deems undesirable. These actions are rarely confirmed in public. Attempts to access these sites from China appear to time out, making it difficult for users to determine whether a site has been blocked or is experiencing technical difficulties. Attempts to access Hotmail from a residential Internet connection in Beijing last week timed out after reaching the backbone network of China Network Communications Group, the local fixed-line operator. However, some users reported being able to get through. Software DevelopmentSmall and Medium Business