| Index
OPTICAL NETWORKING
Overview
A year ago the optical networking sector was riding high, seemingly untouched by the stockmarket fallout that had hit the dotcoms from spring 2000. Things look very different now.
All-optical networks
Companies touting all-optical networks are legion, but in reality there is not yet one totally optical switch commercially deployed anywhere.
Viewpoint
Alan Cane ponders a possible use for all the capacity created by optical networks.
Innovation case study
Lucent’s LambdaRouter.
European suppliers
How can anyone be optimistic in an industry that has experience so much agony? Europe has the skills, and long-term demand is there, say experts.
Laser technology
A new way to coax light out of laser diodes could lead to great strides in bandwidth economics.
Metro networks
High initial costs make metro optical solutions look relatively expensive. But vendors remain optimistic and forecast strong growth.
Profiles
A selection of big names and wannabes in a fast-changing, technologically complex, sector: Polatis, JDS Uniphase, Southampton Photonics, Movaz, and Network Photonics
View from the top
Bringing the light of the fibre to the enterprise will fulfil Nortel's vision to “light up” Europe, says Pascal Debon.
BILLING SYSTEMS
Overview
Billing used to be a simple affair, but new services and mergers among telcos have transformed the billings industry, making it a sector in its own right.
3G billing
The commercial success of 3G networks will rest on novel pricing strategies - and thus on clever billing software.
Mobile services
As operators set up complex interconnection deals, billing systems may not be able to accurately keep track of revenues between carriers.
SMS billing
The next three years could be the golden era for SMS text messaging as operators find ever more sophisticated ways to charge for SMS content using the existing phone bill.
Profiles
Israel-founded, California-based Xacct Technologies, Cincinnati-based Convergys, which recent bought the UK’s Geneva Technology,and TelesensKSCL, a leading European vendor,
EMPLOYMENT ISSUES
Overview
Few workers have experienced so much change in recent years as those in the telecoms industry. But with the industry’s woes deepening, there is more to come.
Training
Pressure is increasing for broader-based training to help address skills shortages.
UK and Australia compared
A study of downsizing in the two countries shows success in the industry ultimately depends on a strategy for growth and consolidation, not mere cost cutting.
Health and safety
On the face of it, there would seem to be relatively few dangers for workers in the telecoms industry, but training and good communications are vital to prevent accidents.
Profile - Canada
When Nortel and others sneeze, the country gets a cold.
OTHER FEATURES
GPRS and 3G news
Our regular update on developments in Europe.
Looking ahead
Snapshot of our future plans.
* Readers in Asia will find these articles on the web only.
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