#NetNeutrality: It’s about disruptive innovation stupid

There is a lot happening on net neutrality. The telcos are rolling over the floor, screaming foul as over-the-top content players ride their networks to earn monies while the formers’ revenues languish. The Big Bother TRAI is dipping its fingers into the internet to see if there are chances of controlling it. Consumers are up in arms (rightly so) to protect the freedom of the net. This certainly is a tipping point for internet in India.

Interestingly, I am drawing a great connect here with the book that I am reading called The Attacker’s Advantage by management guru Ram Charan. To him, the present change would be a structural uncertainty for the telco as oppose to operational uncertainty which can be handled by internal tweaking.

“You can manage an operational uncertainty with existing tools. But structural uncertainty arises from your external environment. It is outside your controls and it can obliterate your business if you don’t detect it in time and create your own space in the new environment which is taking shape.”

We understand the tap dance that the telcos have broken into. The technological landscape unveiling itself is like a hot tin floor under their feet. Over-the-top content apps are already impacting their video, voice and messaging revenues.

Yes, every Skype call that bypasses the telecom service provider is foregone revenue. Accepted that WhatsApp poses a clear challenge in respect of text messages and even voice messages. And now with the threat of call feature on WhatsApp, we know where it is pinching them. The last straw is added by apps like e-payments, e-banking, entertainment apps, mobile location based services and digital advertising, riding on their pipes and breaking them with their load.

However, as a consumer, I can only have my sympathies with the service providers, not my support. Basically, it is disruptive innovation stupid! And if the telcos didn’t see it coming, they are living in a time warp!

Those in business have seen disruptive innovation in action. When Apple came up with iPods and iTunes as the icing on the cake, Sony should have howled at the silent death of the Walkman. When CDs replaced the magnetic strip cassettes, T-Series should have cried itself hoarse. And now that Flipkart promises to deliver your groceries to your doorsteps, the traditional retailers should be out on the roads. If Nokia is dying a silent death because it underestimated the aggression of a smartphone-lapping populace, can the consumer be penalised for that in any way?

To me, the pain points have to be handled between the telcos and the app providers. No broadband providers must have the right to block or degrade certain content or application. How the telcos keep their cash bells ringing is none of my concern. As a consumer, I only deserve ubiquitous access to the internet.

I agree that internet is a utility and not a luxury. And regarding the nature of content, as long as there is no ISIS or porn poison pumped into the devices of our minors, once the tap is on, I need a no bar access to services.

Beyond that, you businesses go slug it out!