f they are financially and technically qualified, and able to provide quality service. Because there will be huge financial challenges in the next few years, we're grateful to have a strong service provider base, and we realize more than ever that we need to be efficient in funding fiber build-outs. UTOPIA's network engineering manager, Roger Timmerman, has also stated that UTOPIA's largest costs are for trenches for its fiber and conduit. UTOPIA's current fiber network reaches 60,000 residences and businesses. It hopes to reach additional buildings in the future. LAST-MILE ACCESS NETWORKS Last-mile networks are the portions of a carrier's network that connect subscribers directly to the provider's equipment. The large number of connections usually means that the last-mile networks are the last portions of a carrier's network that benefit from upgrades. The terms "access networks," "last-mile networks," and "first-mile net- works" are used interchangeably. Adding Capacity to Access Networks Upgrading access networks involves numerous devices because service to each telephone company and cable TV customer as well as equipment in neighborhood locations must often be changed. This is a challenge for both traditional telephone companies and cable TV Multiple System Operators (MSOs). However, cable TV pro- viders have newer voice infrastructure than traditional telephone companies because the cable TV providers only started delivering these services around 2004. Thus, their voice switches don't require upgrades at this time. However, upgrading cabling and electronics connected to them for higher capacity is costly and complex. Carrier Networks The driving force behind upgraded access networks is the need to support more channels of high-definition television (HDTV) and Video-on-Demand (VOD) SO that individuals are able to select from a menu of movies and premium television. In addi- tion, customers are requesting HDTV, which requires more bandwidth and complex electronics than standard definition. Three-dimensional te