The network is a lifeline. In the hours after the explosion, the New York Telephone public switched network was, for many of those trapped in the towers, the only link to the outside world. While the network survived and thrived this time, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to remain vigilant. We therefore pledge to redouble our efforts, to expect the unexpected, and to prepare accordingly. Which brings us to our second point.
Disaster planning pays.
In this day and age, the importance of crisis preparedness cannot be overstated. In the case of our own network, years of advance planning and investment went into redundant systems and diverse routing, without which the outcome might have been much different. From the smallest business to the largest company in the towers, the lesson was clear, those who planned ahead had a much easier time of it than those who didn't. In the wake of the explosion, companies all over the city started moving disaster planing to the top of their agendas. We expect this trend to continue, and we stand ready to offer advice and counsel.