Among the many voices being heard for the case of net-neutrality, Sanjay Kapoor, chairman, Micromax, says putting any restriction on access to sites will be anti-consumer.
Furthermore, Kapoor says the correction in prices for data services is a choice exercised by telecom companies.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Kapoor spoke on a whole host of issues including the Indian economy and whether it is the right time to launch an IPO.
Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview.
Q: What are your views on net neutrality?
A: Net neutrality is an issue which needs a proper definition by the regulator or by the licensors so that there could be a starting point for the debate and boundary conditions are set up. Today the whole debate about what is the definition about net neutrality is like the six blind men and the elephant; everybody has their own interpretation. As a starting block it will be right if the government after the consultation comes out with proper definition and then everybody can have an opinion.
My own take and I am a supporter of net neutrality because I believe the entire community has become so large globally that now to put restrictions on access to an application of choice will be very anti-consumer and no matter what roles governments and regulators play in defining and making policy around net neutrality the consumer will have a very large say and maybe in my mind even the final say. You cannot displease a consumer base which is already running into billions of people who access internet and they must be given the freedom to choose an application, to choose a service of their choice because they don’t only live their personal lives around those services and applications but today even their professional lives around those services and applications. So that freedom belongs to the consumer.
Q: At this point in time do you think the time is right for Micromax to go ahead for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a possible stake sale?
A: Again these are strategic options that are available and all options will be examined by the management and the board as and when decisions have to be taken around this. Overall looking at the economic climate in the country it looks very buoyant. Whether it strikes for Micromax or not only time will tell.
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