It is clear that 5G will not be a mobile platform, but that fixed lines will be just as important as the new radio, so that services can be delivered over the best link, whether wireless or wireline, and dense fiber can provide backhaul and fronthaul for the RAN. The need to move towards quad play services, and then to fully converged networks to support them more efficiently, has driven mobile operators to agree partnerships and mergers with their fixed-line counterparts. But the trend will affect M&A in the wider telecoms market too, as seen by the two latest rumors of big-name deals. Nokia is reported to be in acquisition talks with Juniper Networks to bolster its fixed-line business; while…