That has allowed them to delay network upgrades which would otherwise have boosted Ericsson's and other telecoms-equipment firms' earnings.

ECONOMIST: Telecoms-equipment makers

In a statement, cable network AMC said the delay was "due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations" with creator and executive producer Matt Weiner.

BBC: Mad Men fifth series delayed until March 2012

In a statement, Network Rail blamed the delay on "technical issues" that need resolving with Siemens, the company supplying the new signalling system.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Hampshire | Rail repairs overrun indefinitely

Incompatibilities between networks led to a long delay in enabling text messaging from one network to another.

FORBES: After the Budget Deal, How Government Can Support Market Creation, Cheaply

There is a level of palpable trust that permeates this network, with rewards for timely delivery instead of just penalties for delay (as at Boeing).

FORBES: Spotlight on Outsourcing: Boeing Scrambles as Toyota Triumphs