And not all carriers are setting their sights on standardized next-generation networks.

While a small part of Ericsson's business today, these next-generation networks are expected to contribute heartily to future growth.

"A couple of years ago, we adapted a vision of how to build a next-generation network," he said in an interview yesterday.

"Second, the ideal of building a next-generation network was intriguing to me."

Nokia had been counting on an increase in spending by operators as they build next-generation networks.

The two companies will jointly build and operate a next-generation network, even as they continue to compete for subscribers independently.

This Cajun country community decided to build its own next-generation network.

Their methodology is suspect-equating long-term investments in next-generation networks with lost money.

This sub-process is also concerned with introduction of new end-user services into the next-generation network.

The reforms will also permit investment by operators in the next-generation networks.