Did you know that as an agent you can broker energy? Paetec is plugging agents into the energy business - after it purchased an energy broker. I know a couple of agents that have been in the energy business for a while. I don't think it can replace its telecom business.

In other energy news, the telecom companies are also looking to get into energy management in the way of the smart home. Most homes do not have the equipment necessary installed in their homes to take advantage of this service. Likely, this will change as time goes on. It allows the telecom connection to the home be more productive. At the end of the day, people aren't buying telecom - they are buying a communication device or a platform for productivity or entertainment or knowledge or whatever. That's what telecom companies need to keep in mind.