We all know that incumbent telecoms operators and service providers around the world are facing a massive 're-think' of their business models and strategies as they encounter the increasing impact of the abundance of the digital technologies that are threatening their hitherto secure revenue streams.  Anyone who has any real understanding of this movement of tectonic plates will appreciate that at its heart is the issue of whether the incumbent and community of conventional, vertically integrated telco service providers should focus on being 'infrastructure utilities' (and all that entails in terms of reduced risk and lowered returns) or whether they should focus on being service, content and application service providers.  Many of these incumbents remain in two minds - facing in both directions.  It is my contention that those that persist in this schizophrenic mindset, will eventually end up facing disaster.  Meanwhile, they are pouring millions into the pockets of managing and strategy consultants to help them find an answer....