r words, the Internet is not only a fundamental piece of the supply chain, but it is one of the primary beneficiaries of IICs. ILEC interconnection networks. Though these can be built on the Internet, we must consider the value-added purpose of these networks and make them a separate component, regardless of technology. As we will discuss, these networks are the gatekeepers for the local access infrastructure or the "last mile" of ILEC networks that provide the final link to customers. The components of these networks range from multi-million dollar electronic bonding applications to simple fax machines. As we will see, interconnection introduces a high level of technical complexity, political tension and inefficiency to the overall IIC supply chain. Interconnection is a fundamental part of the chain, but its development has not been optimal for enabling an automated, eOSS environment on which to base an integrated supply chain. Local access infrastructure. The local access infrastructure, also known as the last mile, may be the most critical part of the supply chain. All the fancy network technology in the world cannot do anything without a wire (or transmitter or cable) that reaches the customer. The traditional "last mile" comprises the copper loop and optical networks the ILECs control, and which serve nearly all customer premises with few exceptions. To access a customer and provide service, in many cases, an IIC must gain access not only to the ILEC's network, but to all of the information the ILEC controls about the customer premises and the serving network. The relationship between the local network and interconnection now comes into play. Some IICs have chosen alternate local access technologies to deliver service. A few have employed fixed wireless technologies, aggregating traffic from a building or series of buildings onto a microwave link and backhauling it to a switching center, effectively circumventing the local loop. Such technologies are only beginning to proliferate and represent a small percen