For next-generation broadband access networks, operators plan to deploy a number of copper, fiber, and wireless first-mile access technologies to serve multiple-play applications in the most economical way. Parameters such as required bandwidth, service portfolio, layout and granularity of the existing copper network, subscriber density, and regulatory issues determine the optimal solution. All these first-mile technologies have to be an integral part of an end-to-end carrier Ethernet network.

This session provides an overview on and comparison of the different first-mile technologies, insight on real operator planning and selection activities, and operator experience with already deployed "multi-technology" access networks.

Manfred Wiegand Vice President, Technical Sales Siemens

Dr. Wiegand has more than twenty years of international experience in telecommunications and is heading Siemens' sales support activities for access and carrier Ethernet networks. Before this, Dr. Wiegand held various management positions in sales, project management and R&D at Siemens Telecommunications Group. He received a Dr. rer. nat degree in physics in 1981 with a thesis on quantum optics.

Jeff Heynen Directing Analyst, Broadband and IPTV Infonetics Research

Mr. Heynen joined Infonetics Research in 2005 after four years in senior product marketing management with VoIP switch equipment start-up sentitO Networks, and two years in marketing communications management with telecommunications infrastructure manufacturer Tellabs. As a journalist for Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Mr. Heynen covered the rise of the technology industry in Silicon Valley in the mid-1990s and the entertainment industry in Hollywood.

Tore Kristoffersen Chief Technology Officer Lyse Tele AS

Mr. Kristoffersen is responsible for the technical development of the Lyse Tele technical platforms. He has been with the company since the start in 2002, building and developing triple-play solutions. He has more than 18 years of experience from the telecom industry, both from incumbents and new starters. He is a graduate from the University of Stavanger in telecommunications.

Armin Sumesgutner Head of Strategic Portfolio Platform & Technology Management Telekom Austria

After some years in the area of electricity provisioning, emergency power supply, and air conditioning for the Austria Railways and Telekom Austria, Mr. Sumesgutner joined the Telecommunication Competence Center in 1997. There he was involved in the development of ATM and IP network architectures. Subsequent to that, he was responsible for the introduction of MPLS into Telekom Austria's network and the development of network strategies. During this time, he was part of several national and international research projects and standardization bodies. Since 2000, he has headed the Department for Strategic Portfolio and Innovation Management and is responsible for technology strategy, R&D strategy, and strategic portfolio management within Telekom Austria Wireline. He is also part of various advisory boards for innovation incubator and spinoffs and due diligence projects for Telekom Austria.

Holger Zahn Vice President, Access Systems T-Com Headquarters Technology

Mr. Zahn has more than 15 years of international experience in telecommunications and is heading T-Com's technical evaluation activities for access technology. Prior to this, he held various management positions in ATM operations and international operations support at Deutsche Telekom Group.