This Public Announcement alerts Americans to telecommunication issues throughout East Asia and the Pacific in the aftermath of the 27 December earthquakes off the coast of Taiwan. This expires on January 27, 2007.

Tremors damaged several undersea communication cables resulting in telecommunication delays or disruptions that may affect international calls, Internet services, visa processing, currency exchange, electronic passport applications and computer check-ins. Telecommunication firms estimate that it may take several weeks to repair the damaged underwater cables.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Pacific Rim should advise family and friends that they may have difficulty communicating with them at this time. Traveling Americans attempting to communicate with family and friends should try alternate communication media should telephones fail.