4:30 PM -- LAS VEGAS -- Think an old, stodgy telco can't get hip? Think again.

Here at Telecom '05, it's clear the United States Telecom Association (USTA) is trying hard -- maybe a bit too hard -- to give old-school telecom a new look, with flashy multimedia presentations and rock music.

A perfect example was during Monday's evening keynote panel when Gene R. South Sr., CEO of rural incumbent provider Lakedale Communications, walked up on stage -- very slowly -- to the blaring of Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends."

So the juxtaposition isn't quite living for you yet? Here, take a look...

— R. Scott Raynovich, US Editor, Light Reading