Abstract :
A devastating catastrophe in telecommunication networks is discussed.. This hypothetical extreme case generates a productive discussion of many key issues. A key issue is whether it is economically feasible for telephone companies to rebuild infrastructure today given their financial situations and level of competition. The essential role of government has been discussed, as well as possible differences in priorities across political and social groups. The topic generates a fundamental discussion in technical areas such as new opportunities for network design, standards, protocols, services, QoS, network security, and prevention of telecom disaster
