WPS Carriers

Wireless Priority Service (WPS) is widely available from AT&T, Cellcom, C Spire, GCI, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon Wireless. Cellular service providers voluntarily participate in the WPS program. Additional information on each WPS service provider can be found below.

AT&T

WPS is available wherever AT&T provides digital wireless voice service on its GSM/UMTS network. Users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other GSM/UMTS WPS enabled networks (for example, T-Mobile). WPS is not available when roaming on GSM/UMTS networks that are not WPS enabled or in service areas not covered by roaming agreements between carriers. In Canada, AT&T WPS callers will receive radio channel priority queuing by dialing *272 when roaming in Rogers Wireless service areas.

C Spire

WPS is available in C Spire’s service areas in Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, southwestern Tennessee, and northwestern Florida. C Spire uses code division multiple access (CDMA) technology and users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other CDMA WPS enabled networks (for example, Sprint or Verizon Wireless).

Cellcom

WPS is available on Cellcom’s network. Cellcom uses code division multiple access (CDMA) technology and users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other CDMA WPS-enabled networks (for example, Sprint or Verizon Wireless). WPS is not available when roaming on CDMA networks that are not WPS-enabled or in service areas not covered by roaming agreements between carriers.

GCI

Effective 1 January 2020, GCI has temporarily suspended new user requests for WPS until a newer technology is available to support the service. Please check back on the GETS/WPS Information Distribution System periodically for any updates.

Sprint

WPS is available throughout the Sprint CDMA coverage area. Users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other CDMA WPS-enabled networks (for example, Verizon Wireless). WPS is not available when roaming on CDMA networks that are not WPS enabled or in service areas not covered by roaming agreements between carriers.  Sprint has added Enhanced Overload Performance (EOP) functionality to their network, which increases users’ probability of call completion during times of network congestion.  All Sprint phones manufactured after December 1, 2013 are compatible with WPS EOP.

T-Mobile

WPS is available wherever T-Mobile provides digital voice service on its GSM/UMTS network. Users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other GSM/UMTS WPS-enabled networks (for example AT&T). WPS is not available when roaming on GSM/UMTS networks that are not WPS-enabled or in service areas not covered by roaming agreements between carriers. In Canada, T-Mobile WPS callers will receive radio channel priority queuing by dialing *272 when roaming in 2G Rogers Wireless service areas.

U.S. Cellular

WPS is available throughout U.S. Cellular’s coverage area. U.S. Cellular uses CDMA technology and users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other CDMA WPS enabled networks (for example, Sprint or Verizon Wireless). WPS is not available when roaming on CDMA networks that are not WPS enabled or in service areas not covered by roaming agreements between carriers.

Verizon

WPS is available throughout Verizon Wireless’ coverage area. Verizon Wireless uses CDMA technology and users may be able to use WPS while roaming on other CDMA WPS enabled networks (for example, Sprint). WPS is not available when roaming on CDMA networks that are not WPS enabled or in service areas not covered by roaming agreements between carriers.  Verizon has added Enhanced Overload Performance (EOP) functionality to its network, which increases users’ probability of call completion during times of high network congestion.  WPS EOP is compatible with all Verizon phones manufactured after September 1, 2013.

How do I request WPS?

Organizations designate points of contact (POCs), who request WPS by logging in to the WPS website and submitting online requests. Contact your cellular service provider representative to discuss WPS coverage areas, costs, and other service information. Note that carrier personnel are unable to process direct user requests for WPS.

Service requestors will need the following information:

• The 10-digit cellular telephone number to receive WPS
• The corresponding cellular account number. Any applicable WPS charges will appear on this account.

Once WPS is active on the phone, the POC will receive a confirmation email. Users whose email is on file will also receive a confirmation email. Users should make WPS test calls upon service activation and on a periodic basis. If you are unable to complete a WPS test call, please call the user assistance number toll free at 1-800-818-4387 or 1-703-818-4387.

Additional information can be found on the Request WPS page.

What if I change service providers?

To transfer a WPS-enabled phone to a new cellular service provider, you must contact your organization’s POC, who will log in to the WPS website and submit a transfer request online. Once you receive notification that the transfer is complete, you should test the device to ensure WPS is working.