The Professor's Predictions

America's Network, July 15, 2001

Long-distance carriers will begin merging with Baby Bells within 12 to 18 months, predicts Jag Sheth, professor of marketing at Emory University. "Three AT&Ts will be created," says Sheth, who has been a keen observer of the telecom industry for many years. He expects Sprint to align with SBC Communications, while BellSouth and WorldCom end up together, and Verizon pairs with AT&T.

Unlike some industry observers, Sheth doesn't expect to see RBOCs buying CLECs but instead, believes incumbents will resell each other's service out of region. He also expects to see CLECs merge with one another, spearheaded by cash-rich companies like Pac West.