Next generation transport layer:case study of AT&T

MPLS backbone network serves as the foundation for all Internet and IP services of telecom operator, carrying IP traffic.
IP MPLS backbone serves as foundation for enabling services like consumer broadband, wireless data , unified communications, on-demand content services and utility computing.
Ondemand content services and utility computing are holy grail of Value added services (VAS), and perhaps most promising way to improve profitablity. General trend is voice ARPU's are reducing faster and further and trend is downward. (Downward trend is because of possibility of free voice calls over mobile and increasing competition) . Hence operators are focusing on creating infrastructure for enabling the Value added services. Initiatives like Service delivery platform (SDP) are being rolled out.
SDP is BSS initiative undertaken by CIO's and IT departments. It helps in rapid provisioning of Value added services, differential charging of data services, and vendor settlement.
Network and transmission teams in most operators have mandate to create infrastructure for enabling above mentioned service. One such initiative is upgrading the transport network so that next generation services can be rolled out.