The local wholesale voice market is driven by the regional Bell operating companies' (RBOCs) efforts to enter the long distance market. Forced by government regulations to open local markets to other telephony providers, RBOCs are regaining the opportunity to offer lucrative long distance services in states where RBOCs will spur competition. With market saturation in many tier-one metropolitan areas, industry participants are finding success in second- and third-tier cities currently serviced by independent local exchange carriers (ILECs). However, to ensure success, companies must separate themselves from the practice of changing a consumer's provider without authorization (slamming), as fines and negative publicity pose a serious threat. By tracking key market trends, drivers and restraints, this Frost & Sullivan research offers readers a privileged view of this burgeoning field.