Google Fighting Bacon Juice

Network Neutrality, the buzzword of a few months ago, shows up again in an unusual way. In 'Google: mobile operators want to block our apps', it's pretty clear what the problem is not just for Google - but more importantly, the 'little guy':

Chris Sacca, head of special initiatives at Google, revealed on Monday that operators have lobbied the search giant, asking it to stop people accessing Google Mobile Maps.

Google Mobile Maps gives access to interactive maps and satellite images, and also includes search results and details about local businesses. It also provides detailed directions to a location picked by the user.

On Monday, Sacca told an event at Oxford University's Said Business School that "we've been getting notes from some of the telco carriers who are saying 'look, you need to stop our customers from downloading this thing'."

"They're inserting themselves in between you and an application that you want. I think that has scary, scary implications," added Sacca, who was appearing on a panel titled Silicon Valley Comes To Oxford.

It is scarey. If telcos can block Google, then the little app you've been working on to deliver content? Yeah, that too. Or your content, unless you use the telco's service. Uh-huh. Yup.

Net Neutrality. Where the network is a commons that anyone can compete on. Of course, some people don't see the danger... but they will when it bites them right... back... there. Ask Google.

If you don't get the bacon juice reference - watch the video.