RESUMO
This paper is intended as a starting point for discussions to address and identify perfomance issues relñated to congestion (meaning delayed dial tone and incomplete call attempt) on telecommunication systems and networks after a major earthquake in a populated area. The driving forces, technology, advanced services, market demand and competition, that are shaping the telecommunication systems and networks of the next century can be harnessed to serve post disaster needs. The time has come to develop perfomance criteria and policies in parallel with the growth and changes of the telecommunication systems and networks. The task ahead is huge and not easy, success will depend on collaboration of operators, vendors, providers of emergency services, policy makers, researchers and users.(AU)
