Now that the Net Neutrality is behind us…What happens now?

Now that the final repeal order for Net Neutrality is out, we are returning to a world where internet traffic (think Netflix or HBO Go) is no longer treated as equal. This leaves us wondering how this will impact the future of the internet. One thing for certain is that we can expect a new wave of lawsuits to flood our court systems.

But the big question is whether there is a scenario where the Service Providers, Over the Top (OTT) Content and App Providers, and Consumers can all win and come out ahead from the repeal. 

I want to outline four potential scenarios (see below) that could emerge. Whether we end up in the Gilded Age (more or less everyone is happy without much oversight) or the Great Depression (nobody is happy and pendulum swings back to regulation), there will be trade-offs. Each scenario impacts innovation, competition, consumer behavior and network investments.

We may even end-up with a scenario made up of parts from all four scenarios. I believe all players can win, but the ball is now in the court of the Service Providers to do what is best for the Consumer.