Net Neutrality? I don’t think so
There’s been a lot of interest around “Net Neutrality” that all the coverage news channels these days. Before understanding
what “Net Neutrality” is, I think the bigger question is – “What is the Internet
really?”
Sounds like a pretty simple question; isn't it? I can hear all you people saying “Who does this guy think he is…asking us if we know what
the internet is!?”. Simply put, the Internet in all its glory has seeped into
every possible communication medium/device like our desktop devices, mobile
phones, phablets, tablets, laptops and with no restrictions whatsoever. It doesn’t matter how
we use the internet bandwidth or for what kind of application we use it for. Irrespective
of how it is used, the subscribed bandwidth is one and the same. Even more
interesting is the fact that the internet subscriber pays only for the
bandwidth and not for how the bandwidth is used.
That’s right…I am trying to make a point about the recent request
internet providers in India submitted to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India) to pass a bill that would help charge subscribers based on what
application the bandwidth was used for. I honestly think if this bill becomes a
reality, it’s just going to make these providers richer than they already are
and fuel capitalism in a nation known for its democratic/socialistic policies. As
consumers, are we going up in arms? Nah…I think we’ll do the current “hip”
thing and start an online petition against this move :)
Until a few years back, sending messages meant either an SMS
or an MMS. But now messaging has become a religion and Whatsapp is our demigod.
I don’t know about you guys but I even use Whatsapp’s new calling feature to
place calls (read international). This combined with the other apps floating
out there like Viber, Skype, and Google Hangout has left service providers
reeling in losses and lost revenue. Indians are one of the most business-minded
people in the world in my opinion but this is not one idea I am not proud
of. Some brilliant mind amongst out
service providers squeezed their brain our and came up with the idea of
charging consumers for app usage and support with high-speed bandwidth for
high-revenue bringing apps.
Historically, 90% of a service provider’s revenue came from
call minutes and 10% from SMS, MMS, Internet and other Value Added Services
(VAS). The crazy thing that is happening now is that the 10% revenue from VAS is eating
into 90% of the revenues. Thanks to the ingenuity of the apps these days. Forbes
estimates that between year 2012 and 2018, globally all telecom companies are
going to lose a revenue of USD 386 billion. For a decade all telecom
giants together that were earning profit in billion dollars are struggling to come to
terms with this.
If this so called “Net Neutrality” ends up happening, a
consumer will have a mobile, an internet but cannot use anything because
whatever you use, however you use, you are going to be charged. Consider it
similar to having a car with tank full of gas; but have to pay separately to use
the A/C, heater, or even the music player on the damned car. Now you get the
gravity of the situation. Don’t you?
I can already envision small time application developers
having troubled times in the future if this move does become a reality. Service
providers may go on to even demand a “fee” from app vendors to enable their apps
to work in their network service. App giants like Whatsapp and Facebook might
not feel the pinch but small vendors will definitely feel handicapped.
What is my take on this? As if matters to the big-time bullies!! Honestly, this isn’t about the money. The Internet is not a commodity
to sell and telecommunication services are resources that every consumer has
the right to access.
Convinced already? If you think internet is your right,
please protest against TRAI decision. Here is how you do it. Please cut &
paste the content below highlighted in Italics-Orange
color and email to “advqos@trai.gov.in” with Subject reading: Stop operators from breaking the internet
If we don't show our antagonism, The "Net Neu(w)trality" will eat as alive :(
Thank you for
giving me this opportunity to share my views on the consultation paper
published by TRAI on March 27, 2015 titled "Regulatory Framework For
Over-the-Top (OTT) Services”. I am worried that this consultation paper makes
sweeping assumptions about the Internet, and does not take a neutral and
balanced view of the subject of Internet Licensing and Net Neutrality. Any
public consultation must be approached in a neutral manner by the regulator, so
that people can form an informed opinion.
I strongly support an open internet, for which I believe it is
critical to uphold net neutrality and reject any moves towards licensing of
Internet applications and Web services.
I urge TRAI to commit to outlining measures to protect and advance
net neutrality for all Indians. Net neutrality requires that the Internet be
maintained as an open platform, on which network providers treat all content,
applications and services equally, without discrimination. The TRAI must give
importance to safeguarding the interests of our country’s citizens and the
national objective of Digital India and Make In India, over claims made by some
corporate interests.
I request that my response be published on the TRAI website
alongside other comments filed, in line with past practice regarding public
consultations. I urge that TRAI issue a specific response to user submissions
after examining the concerns raised by them, and hold open house discussions
across India, accessible to users and startups before making any
recommendations.
For more information on “Net Neutrality”, please read:
Cheers,
Venkat Alagarsamy
Comments
Post a Comment