Washington, DC:Telecom reform-which it appears cannot be separated from the question of the rights of municipalities to compete against commercial service providers-looms large in 2006. The final outcome, whether it occurs in 2006 or the following year, will set the playing field for years to come.

Cable MSOs: Vendors have awakened to the fact that, increasingly, “telcos” and “cable-TV companies” are no longer separate markets. While the two service-provider camps battle it out, smart companies will find a way to supply equipment to both types of competitors.

Long-haul telecommunications:As mentioned previously, it may not be as dead as you think. Or is it?