I didn't say that the presence of IP removes all the complexity, nor that interconnection without TDM and/or SS7 is possible--at least, for CLECs, but also many ITSPs that buy TDM in order to do access that is actually reliable and interoperable. My intended point, which should have perhaps been made clearer, was only that the use of more IP - where feasible and practical - in the place of a circuit-switched alternative can add fluidity to the network that can change the CAPEX formula for redundancy in a more favourable direction. It's not magic and it certainly won't solve all the problems that motivate the original question. -- Alex Balashov Evariste Systems Web : http://www.evaristesys.com/ Tel : (+1) (678) 954-0670 Direct : (+1) (678) 954-0671 Mobile : (+1) (678) 237-1775