Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)

What is GETS? GETS is a Federal program that prioritizes calls over wireline networks. Users receive an access card (GETS card), which has both the universal GETS access number and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

[To get priority status over cellular communications networks, you need to use the Wireless Priority Service (WPS) program. GETS and WPS can be used in combination.]

The National Communications System, a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, manages the WPS program. The GETS program is in effect all the time--it is not contingent on a major disaster or attack taking place.

Who Should Enroll? You should enroll if your organization is a Federal, state, tribal, and local police department, fire department, public safety answering point or 9-1-1 call center, EMS entity, essential healthcare provider or any other organization that uses telecommunication services necessary for the public health, safety, and maintenance of law and order.

Why should I sign up? If you rely on wireline communications services on a daily basis to perform critical national security and emergency preparedness functions, including those areas related to safety, maintenance of law and order, and public health, you need WPS. By using your GETS card number, your call receives a calling queue priority over regular calls, thereby greatly increasing the probability (90%) that your wireline call will get through the network, even with congestion.

This program can be extremely beneficial during a major disaster or attack in which the telecommunications infrastructure is damaged and the lives and property of the American public is most at risk.

How do I enroll? By filling out an online application and providing a point of contact for your organization. In your application, you will need to certify that your mission meets national security and emergency preparedness requirements as set out in the GETS program information. If your organization qualifies, the GETS Program Office will send GETS cards to you.

What does it cost? There is no cost to apply or to obtain a GETS card. A charge of 7 to 10 cents a minute applies to all calls made through the GETS.

Who do I contact for help?

National Communications System--GETS Operations and Administrative Support
Telephone: 866-NCS-CALL (627-2255)
DC metro area, please use 703-760-2255)
Telephone (24/7): 703.607.4950

To report problems using GETS, call 800-818-GETS (4387)
(DC metro area, please use 703-818-GETS). Please report troubles as soon as you encounter them!
Email: gets@ncsc.gov or gwids@saic.com
Website: gets.ncs.gov

• Allan Manuel
  Telephone: 202.418.1164 or 202.391.5331
  Email: allan.manuel@fcc.gov
• Ken Burnley
  Telephone: 202.418-0664
  Email: kenneth.burnley@fcc.gov
• FCC 24/7
  Telephone: 202.418.1199