The forces for high speed, high capacity data services are driving the next generation network architecture toward a packet network. These next generation networks are basically of two types: wired networks and wireless networks. Changes in network services, technology and regulation are creating a golden era of network innovation. Much is certain in this evolution. For instance, the networks will have a shared, packet-based, optical-core network using dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical transport with optical add/drop and multiplexing. Wireless communications is expected to be a major driver for growth in the telecommunications industry over the next decade. It will become a cornerstone of the information society. Future networks (both wireless and wireline) of the type described here will pave the way for an environment in which information will be made more portable, personal and affordable. They will achieve the ultimate goal of communications-communications from anywhere to anywhere-clear as a bell.