We are all equal, but some are more equal than others apparently. Google Inc., one of the avid defenders of network equality and openness, has reportedly sought preferential treatment from network providers, as shown by documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The search giant is accused of trying to create a fast lane for its own content, by negotiating with cable and phone companies.

If the story proves to be true, Google could be held responsible for destroying the very principle of net neutrality, and at the same time, it could create an environment in which only the big fish can swim, with smaller companies being unable to pay in order to remain competitive. It would basically mean fast responses from wealthy companies, and slow responses from companies unable to pay.

Google responded in a blog post to the rumors, reiterating that broadband providers should not prioritize traffic based on the source, ownership or destination of the content. Instead, they should be flexible enough to employ network upgrades, such as edge caching.

Google offered to “colocate” caching servers with broadband providers’ own facilities, however, the agreements with the ISPs are non-exclusive, meaning other entities could also employ such arrangements, the company explained. Furthermore, Google added, none of these arrangements require or encourage its traffic to be treated preferentially.

However, WSJ said the OpenEdge service, which would place Google’s servers directly within the network of the service providers, would accelerate Google’s service for users. Furthermore, the newspaper claims Google has asked the providers it has approached not to discuss the plans, citing anonymous sources.

“Despite the hyperbolic tone and confused claims in Monday’s Journal story, I want to be perfectly clear about one thing: Google remains strongly committed to the principle of net neutrality, and we will continue to work with policymakers in the years ahead to keep the Internet free and open,” Richard Whitt, Washington Telecom and Media Counsel, responded on Google’s blog.

Furthermore, he denied ever referring to President-elect Obama’s neutrality policies as even less specific than they were before, saying he doesn’t recall making such a comment, and it would have been odd of him to make it since President-elect Obama’s stance on network neutrality hasn’t
changed.

President-elect Obama spoke to Google employees one year ago about net neutrality, explaining that once providers start giving privilege to particular websites and applications, the smaller voices get squeezed out.  “And then, we all lose.”

President-elect Obama’s position may have remained the same, but WSJ quoted his advisor, Lawrence Lessig, Internet law professor at Stanford University, as saying that prioritizing traffic is a good thing, as long as there will be people willing to pay higher prices for faster services.