Dear Readers
I have worked for several Telcos around the world, and my business currently provides services to these Telcos and their customers. In the telecommunications industry, I have seen first-hand how competition breeds innovation and brings about cost reduction.
Telecommunications in Australia has been a case study in the failure of competition policy and the inability to resolve conflicts of interests between public and private sectors. The NBN, or any National Broadband scheme however branded, is the seminal opportunity to fix the problems, iron out the imbalances of power and, most importantly, foster the competitive forces that lead to innovation.
When I refer to the failure of competition policy, think about this; Telcos in Australia still can not provide accurate and comprehensive bills to their clients. In the last 20 years, despite the billions earned, this problem has not improved. If it had, my business may not exist. The very fact we exist highlights both the lack of pressure on Telcos to complete essential tasks and the lack of alternatives for customers.
From an innovation point of view, evolving Telecommunications sub- industries are devoted to the failings of Australia Telcos. Billing analysis companies like ours operate in a lucrative market that is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
With the NBN we have a real chance to create genuine possibilities for Australia. We can level the playing field and foster real change and innovation. We can finally shift the focus onto customers and value added services and solutions. We can create new industries (many of which are beyond imagination at this time) and a whole new generation of wealth.
We cannot afford to let The NBN drift aimlessly without a direction, without business involvement or proper scrutiny. If we fail to take advantage of this impending opportunity we will fail to fundamentally alter the landscape of Australian telecommunications for the better.
Tony Simmons
Managing Director
The Full Circle Group
