Spectrums, Networks, IoT – Are we barking up the wrong pipe?

By Pratima H

INDIA: Being up to date with Telco slang was all about knowing who’s bidding and winning the spectrum game; and being well versed with the latest digit and alphabet to be suffixed after 802…something, something. But before one could tune into fast-changing frequencies, the world is agog with words like IoT (Internet of Things), 5G technology avatars, new Wimax successors and what not. Have we forgotten the real questions somewhere in this swift drift?

Conversing with Sridhar Saranathan, a notable expert with 33 years in ICT and 15 years with ISP & Telecom companies experience, and currently Principal Consultant, Global Media & Telecommunication Practice,Wipro Limited; gives one that rare chance to ask that very question. After all, he belongs to a rare tribe of leaders and visionaries who have not only worn tough helmets and gone down the minefields of competitive times, but have also floated on the wings of objectivity with a satellite view on the industry’s affairs. Been there, done that and doing more for anything Telecom-sharp, in short!

A name to reckon with in Telecom circles and a low-latency mind when it comes to processing some tough issues prudently; Sridhar happens to be a well-known name among CIOs thanks to strong stints at Vodafone and the adventures of breaking Himalayan car Rally result-computing and communication records. Here, he gives a peek into where and why the pipe of progress is a little clogged even now. We are tempted to ask him more than one question and here’s what we dial in.

The air is rife with buzz about spectrum allocation and advent of 5G. Are we ready for the new levels yet?

Our networks are much better than other countries, as I see it. But as of now, we have enough on hand already. The cost and complexity of any technology version has to be assessed well. India may be leapfrogging when it comes to telecom adoption, mobility etc, but we are still stuck on the wrong part of the Bell Curve. Averages are always misleading. There is a long tail where the curve starts plateauing. Have we been able to deliver at that tail? For urban segments, 4G is a good level and for rural ones 2G at the right price point and value will mean a lot. The price of spectrum should not be the focus, but differentiation in services should be a defining factor. It is not the question of what or how much pipe is available; it is what you do with it.

Players are both excited and muddled at times when we see a shift from voice to data happening steadily. How do you take that in?

Yes, even in rural areas, the change is happening but this is visible on select areas like entertainment. We have to explore the impact of universal licenses in the country strongly. There is so much more to do in India at this point. It’s a big opportunity to catch. Thinking differently would help. If copper is not available so readily in rural regions, why not enable VoIP and give a boost to new industries like BPOs.

Would IoT be an interesting change?

Some countries have tackled and some are still trying when it comes to different jurisdiction territories and too many licenses. Any IP address or reachable end point will become a strong point in IoT and will translate into a bigger lifecycle from sourcing to disposal. How do we define the ownership part for legal and other issues here? How do we identify the right point clearly and quickly? The standards for an end-to-end pack or a clear hand-over in the cycle have not been set very properly yet. That will matter significantly for IoT’s future.

How do you feel about the debate happening on Net Neutrality, first in US and now taking shape in India?

Whenever problems arise, like once the industry witnessed with wi-fi and ecosystem or congestion issues; they make way for people rising in disappointment and paving the path for default standards. Telecom has gone through such phases earlier. Full competition replaced a trans-duopoly regime and brought greater penetration as well as greater customer services. Platform companies are posing a new puzzle now. They have to have a clear regulation framework; else we might see another bubble bust. In fact, large companies with a long-term commitment can bring in stability to market too if they pursue the right direction. Customers need convenience and edge but they also won’t enjoy it at the cost of stability.