Switch-off prompts search for light relief A sharp fall in demand from network operators has darkened the outlook for optical networking suppliers. But there are grounds for hope in the longer term....Read Laser technology Broadband's Nirvana is just a flipped diode away Time could be on the side of the new developers as cash-strapped telcos slow their pace of network construction Europe Long-term trends will sustain sector's growth The ongoing demand for bandwidth means the long-term prospects for optical switches and networking components are good, whatever the short-term shocks Billing Key weapon in the fight for telcos' profitability Revenue management systems are a main differentiator between carriers when services and tariffs are so similar Employment More jobs are on the line as sector restructures After years of consolidation and deregulation, there is no end in sight to the changes in the telecoms sector.