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Catching up after an active Comptel, I am finally back to get everybody caught up of what is going on in the industry. It seems there is still plenty of capacity and fiber in the ground.  Prices are still dropping and more and more dark fiber providers are popping up. Intelletrace does not run into a lot of dark fiber opportunities, but have picked up 3 more providers which can assist our customers. As equipment costs also drop, customers are looking into dark fiber to run 10 Gig networks. 

Due to costs, all the big Carriers are no longer exhibiting, except for Sprint. The Carriers are participating by hosting large suites with food and beverages. These are nice meeting places, except when the suite is crowded and there are multiple conversations going on. Qwest, if you are listening, I do not recommend having such a large suite. Verizon Business had multiple suites which were private and can have a very effective meeting. We didn’t get a chance to meet with Sprint during the day, but they had a great party on the Music Queen River Boat. Here I got to speak with several executives and their customer to get a better understanding where Sprint is heading. While most companies are cutting back on the entertainment, Sprint still comes through with a good time.�
While IP pricing is still dropping, Verizon Business feels the market has reached a bottom. I certaintly hope so, although I feel a large provider will have to file for bankruptcy before this happens. Will we see a 2000 bust all over again???

Most importantly, I get to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  We had a fun time in Nashville, catching a Predators Hockey match and bar hopping down town.  The live entertainment is great.  It is a city I enjoy visiting.  Hope to see you at the fall Comptel in Dallas.