Still, Cisco will have to overcome the traditional providers' deep pockets, deep reputation for reliability and deep relationships with big communications carriers.

Mr. Wear argues that competitive bidding will "bring new blood into the business and light a fire under the traditional providers," making them more efficient.

"We'll always be seen as a traditional provider," she said.

But the real target market for Tachion's product is new local communications carriers that do not have the money or space for truckloads of equipment from traditional providers.

Companies should always perform their due diligence when selecting a bureau and compare both traditional providers along with those who focus on their industry.

To meet local-content standards imposed by the trade agreement, the Asian companies have invited some of their traditional providers to join them in Tijuana.

Though most agencies provide a broader range of service offering, at the two extremes are the traditional providers and the niche operators.

It is often a collaboration between local authorities, community-based organisations and traditional providers.

This resulted in 75% of contracts being placed with the traditional provider.

After buying Tele-Communications, Bell Atlantic will be as much a cable and cellular phone company as a traditional provider of local service.