The public switched telephone network and the Internet meet

The phenomenal growth of the Internet has provided both a challenge and an opportunity to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Modem traffic has increased the load on the switched network forcing an upgrade to the network if the accustomed grade of service is be maintained. Telephone companies are also losing revenue to Internet services, further compounding their problems. One solution is to shift Internet traffic away from the voice switched network and to explore new revenue generating opportunities beyond traditional long distance and local access services.