In the United States, Ethernet services are still primarily centered in metro areas with little intercity or national availability. As carriers refocus investments on the access portions of the network, Ethernet is expected to emerge as the "access protocol of choice" within the next 24 months, according to a February report, "Ethernet Access Infrastructure Market Plays a Leading Role in Carrier Network Evolution Plans," by Pat Matthews, a senior analyst at the Yankee Group. For many carriers, the strategy of choice is to provide, Ethernet services―and support present and future IP services―while avoiding forklift upgrades to their existing networks.
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