Orlandes (Bud) Shuemake , 53, lost his job installing telecom gear in May 2001 shortly after his employer, Northpoint Communications , imploded.

FORBES: Out of Options

Nothing like a shopping spree at a fire sale--courtesy of would-be fiber giants like NorthPoint Communications and 360 Communications as they spiral into bankruptcy and unload their assets at a fraction of the cost.

FORBES: Switch Hitter

Shuemake marks the start of his financial demise to September 1999 when Northpoint personnel staff directed him to Morgan Stanley (nyse: MWD - news - people ), an underwriter of Northpoint's initial public offering.

FORBES: Out of Options

NorthPoint, another provider, went bust in March.

ECONOMIST: High-speed Internet access

Rivals like Rhythms and NorthPoint are memories.

FORBES: Trial by Fire