Network operators develop and deliver more network-based services, as bandwidth becomes a commodity item. 3.Access gets faster. For the masses, it will still take at least another year to turn the corner.
Services go multimedia, starting with integrated access.
Wireless begins to replace wireline services. Interconnection between carriers becomes electronic, creating a true network of networks. Network management systems evolve to manage thousands of devices, and begin to rely on common object request brokerage architecture-based systems. Start-ups innovate, but quickly become absorbed into larger companies or go the initial public offering route. So can Cisco, Lucent and Redback, respectively.