Yesterday Covad merged with Megapath, thus creating a vary large managed service local exchange carrier.
What this means:
1) Some job functions will be combined, largely back office, customer support, network operations
2) Expansion of footprint for both companies
3) Less choice and a lessening of competition in the alternative carrier space vs. the telcos and the cable companies
The merger is expected to close in the 3rd quarter of this year.