– More effective network operation: traditional PSTNs will come to the end of their normal economic life cycle; for example, the necessary hardware will become more difficult to find and more costly. IP-based networks are likely to be easier to operate and maintain than the existing legacy networks and provide the scope for operators with sufficient flexibility in their cost base to reduce both operating expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX). Not allowing an adequate return on investment, the infrastructure operators will not be motivated to invest in NGN networks. Besides the inevitable impact on the quality of the offered services, this could lead to a concentration in the market.