Service providers had a difficult year in 2009, with concerns about the world economy and uncertainty regarding its recovery prompting many to prudently adopt cautious strategies in order to see them through the worst. With economic growth predicted to return during 2010, Ovum’s Telco Operations team reviews the effects of the economic downturn on service provider strategies, outlines how this is likely to change during 2010, and reviews some of the key operational trends that will affect strategies over the coming year.