Mexico's large surplus is partly reflected in America's deficit: the route between Mexico and the United States is the second busiest for international traffic, after the route between Canada and the United States, according to the annual survey of global telecommunications traffic statistics, just published by TeleGeography, a consultancy.

ECONOMIST: TELEPHONE TRAFFIC

As these portals strive to create a "one-stop" Internet experience, they are looking to the telecommunications giants both to bring traffic to their sites and to make dialing into the web as simple as using it.

FORBES: The ISP buffet

The company makes telecommunications transmission equipment which is used to carry voice and data traffic.

BBC: Nortel announces NI jobs boost