The battle over next-generation cellular networks

True, transmission is the "red-headed step-child" of the radio access world. But don't hold your breath waiting for fiber backhaul. LTE won't rely on dedicated SDH/ATM links back to a GGSN. LTE base stations will act more like IP routers and send traffic over multiple routes, so there won't be a need for any super-sized STM links back to the core network. Theres allready some "psuedo-wire" applications that can route HSPA in this fashion. Alhto delay sensitive services like voice can stay in the traditional UMTS path.