Why is Gigabit Ethernet the future?
Ethernet is, quite simply, plugging your network directly into a telecom provider's network. When you bypass the local phone company you cut out an expensive transport step. Having direct access to customers is a carrier's goal as it allows them to control the user's experience from end to end while reducing cost. These savings are passed on to you. "The market for managed metro Ethernet services is expected to grow by 30 per cent a year until 2010, when it will top $25 billion (?2.3bn) worldwide."
Infonetics Research - July 2007 "

Over time, Ethernet will overwhelm SONET in the MAN/WAN market. Ethernet is cheaper, has better economies of scale and allows for simpler, more unified networks. Ethernet is at the gates, and it's coming in."
Greg Collins - July 2007
Business Communications Review Magazine