Prudence is cast aside as vendors and customers slip deep into financial whirlpool Latin America in the early 1980s, real estate in the early 1990s - telecommunications in the early 2000s? The telecoms industry has developed many of the hallmarks of the sort of financial black hole that periodically lays waste the capital markets. And like those earlier financial disasters, this is one that will not pass in a hurry....Read Local loop unbundling Competition in the last mile remains elusive Despite new rules that widen access to the local loop, incumbents still control this lucrative section of the market Optical wireless technology Laser technology sheds light on connection issue This cost-saving technology which sends optical signals through the air to connect users to telecoms networks, is the modern equivalent of the beacon bonfire or a signal lamp Mobile services Market will be driven by 'killer cocktails' Single service applications are unlikely to attract huge numbers of new mobile subscribers. Instead, experts prefer to talk of multiple 'killer experiences' Mobile advertising The novelty could quickly wear off Initial response rates to mobile phone advertising have been high, but firm guidelines are needed to eradicate intrusive and unsolicited messages that cause consumers to switch off