Broadband networks: The benefits of funding fibre Building next-generation networks might be a costly exercise, but operators hope governments will see the wider benefits and give them a helping hand. Enterprise services: IT skills prove a hit for managed providers Enterprise service providers are enjoying an upsurge in contract wins, buoyed by the IT skills they have acquired. UK competition: Brands raise challenge to network owners Retail clout could give big brands the edge when it comes to the bundled telecoms services of the future. Bundling in France: French licence promises wholesale boost Mobile services competition is fierce in France, but now a new 3G player could provide a fillip to lagging MVNOs. Mobile services: Asia set for 3G surge There is still plenty of room for growth in 3G connections, with many developing nations gearing up to launch new or additional services. Face to face: Olaf Swantee Interview with the head of Orange's global mobile business. Face to face: Ronan Dunne Interview with the CEO of Telefonica O2 UK Network strategies: MVNO models: Wholesale choices New opportunities are opening up in the wholesale space for mobile network operators, providing capacity and services for a range of consumer devices. Corporate/SME services: Enterprise mobility: Small and mighty Mobile operators say there are signs that smaller enterprises are turning to managed services to reduce costs and avail of unified communications. Business and finance: M&As: New deals The telecoms market could be set for an increase in mergers and acquisitions this year after a quiet period, with some deals marking new trends. Content strategies: IPTV services: Target practice IPTV service providers are still working hard to make their business models pay, experimenting with advertising and how users access content. Technology trends: Cloud computing services: Safe sets Proponents predict a huge rise in cloud computing services in the next few years, but enterprises still have concerns over the security of their data. Editor's view: Google talk Nexus One: Jury is out International voice services: Wholesale operators driven to consolidation With margins and call volume growth falling, and competition from VoIP rising, wholesale carriers are having to regroup