All over the world, network operators are racing to escape the bit-pipe trap. The value attached to the access provided by their fixed and mobile networks has been steadily eroded, in the eyes of consumers, service providers and shareholders. The growth in their networks’ capacity, cost and complexity is in inverse proportion to how highly these assets are valued, and what profits can be driven by them. Hence the rise of the new-look operator, as epitomized in AT&T’s recent acquisition history. The new operator spreads its reach wider, to embrace the multiplay – wired and wireless connectivity to support broadband, telephony, TV, mobile applications, and increasingly, smart homes and cars. And it extends its reach upwards, from the access layer…