Sprint ( S), for example, would become the third largest nationwide network operator, but a distant third and might become an attractive buy for Verizon, which would gain more spectrum, more cell sites and bragging rights as the largest U.S. network operator once again.

FORBES: T-Mobile Spectrum Grab Gives AT&T Stock A Green Light

Then, each critical-infrastructure operator would have a third-party, commercial auditor assess its cybersecurity risk mitigation plans.

WHITEHOUSE: FACT SHEET: Cybersecurity Legislative Proposal

Worldwide hotel operator Marriott International reported a loss in the third quarter, as charges related to its timeshare spin-off brought earnings per share to a loss of 52 cents, compared with 22 cents per share a year ago.

FORBES: Marriott Posts Q3 Loss On Charges, Sees Light With Higher Room Revenue

Cox, the third-biggest cable operator, appears to be pursuing a separate wireless push.

WSJ: Comcast, Time Warner Cable in Wireless Talks

Airport operator BAA argues Heathrow is "jam-packed" and needs a third runway to remain competitive globally.

BBC: Labour MPs urge third runway vote

NTL, Britain's biggest cable operator, has had to abandon plans to buy its software from a third company.

ECONOMIST: Interactive television

Since 2001 Lamar Advertising, the third-largest billboard operator in the U.S., has been a big customer of Daktronics' digital signs.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Since 2001 Lamar Advertising (nasdaq: LAMR - news - people ), the third-largest billboard operator in the U.S., has been a big customer of Daktronics' digital signs.

FORBES: Bright, Very Bright

Then there is the Atlas Cold Storage Income Fund (whose underlying firm is a warehouse operator generating most of its revenue in the U.S.), which suspended its third-quarter payout last month after admitting it had goosed prior profits by capitalizing some expenses as assets.

FORBES: Magazine Article