From what I am told by folks in the industry/infrastructure directly is the push to 3G (3rd Gen), which is GSM. North America is very lacking (got lazy) on the digital side of things. There is more fibre in the ground than needed, but none of it is in use. FINALLY, after 16 years, that appears to be about to change. About time we get VDSL, VDSL2, 3G Cellular, etc..... and catch up with the rest of the world!!!
(So much for being #1 at one time... i grew up with the now older/obsolete telco systems (dms, ess, hook, etc)). Perhaps our cell and home phones will FINALLY become ONE if we opt for that service.
C.