The Nationwide Wireless Priority Service (WPS) is a system in the United States that allows high-priority emergency telephone calls to avoid congestion on wireless telephone networks. This complements the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS), which allows such calls to avoid congestion on landline networks. The service is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission and administered by the National Communications System in the Department of Homeland Security.
Tag Archive for Emergency Communications
United States
U.S. Government Emergency Telecommunications Service
The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) is a White House-directed emergency phone service provided by the National Communications System (NCS) in the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications Division, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security. GETS supports Federal, State, local, and tribal government, industry, and non-governmental organization (NGO) personnel in performing their National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) missions. GETS provides emergency access and priority processing in the local and long distance segments of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). It is intended to be used in an emergency or crisis situation when the PSTN is congested and the probability of completing a call over normal or other alternate telecommunication means has significantly decreased.
Department of Homeland Security
National Communications System Priority Telecommunications Services For Public Safety
National Communications System brief on the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service “Priority Telecommunications Services For Public Safety”, November 5, 2008.
Connecticut, FEMA
Connecticut 2008 Emergency Communications Plan
The State of Connecticut has identified interoperable communications as a priority in its emergency response and disaster recovery planning efforts. The Connecticut Public Safety State Executive Interoperability Committee (CPSSEIC) is comprised of emergency management and communications experts from throughout the state. CPSSEIC meets regularly to determine communication equipment requirements, provide grants guidance, and develop training and exercise requirements.