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received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Duke University. He has 25 years executive international management experience in technology-based businesses and holds 10 patents in microwave and optical communications, video switching, and broadband infrastructure. His current research is focused on high availability/high reliability enterprise computing.

For the majority of the last century single service fixed-line based networks were the primary means of communications. Over the past few decades, we have seen tremendous change to the traditional fixed-line model including the introduction of wireless networks and a shift in focus from single-service to multi-service networks. These newer multiservice networks are designed to provide broadband via both fixed-line and wireless connections. All of this rapid change has resulted in very complex network management organizations and safety issues that are distinct to each network type. This paper will provide a survey and discussion of the safety issues that relate to fixed-line, fiber optics and wireless networks. It will examine how the infrastructure service model is drastically different between traditional fixed-line service providers and wireless service providers. Finally, it will explore issues and regulations relating to buried telecommunications plant.