Google Still Doesn’t Have Mapping License

The State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping (SBSM) are currently handing out surveying licenses to online services who want to provide a of on line. Around 70-80 companies have submitted some of which have already been granted to Tencent, Baidu, Alibaba, Sohu and Sina. The only foreign company to apply and recieve a license is giant Nokia. According to sources at the bureau, they have yet to receive an from Google, but are expecting to meet with a company representative soon. Google managed to renew it’s in this year after tense stand off with the government which lasted several weeks. The renewal doesn’t automatically mean a mapping right however, which could mean Google having to shut down it ‘Maps’ service for the mainland. Microsoft who also offer for the mainland have still yet to apply for their license too.