On this page:
- Who Should Enroll?
- Why Should I Sign Up?
- How Do I Enroll?
- What Does It Cost?
- GETS Contacts & Support
GETS is a program of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Communications 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 access over cellular communications networks, you need to use the Wireless Priority Service (WPS) program. GETS and WPS can be used in combination.
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, local, and tribal 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 GETS. By using your GETS card number, your call receives priority over regular calls, thereby greatly increasing the probability that your wireline call will get through the network, even when congested.
This program can be extremely beneficial during a major disaster or attack in which the public telecommunications networks are congested by high call volumes and/or damage to the telecommunications infrastructure.
How Do I Enroll?
By filling out an 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.
GETS Operations and Administrative Support
- Department of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Communications (OEC),
- Phone: 866-627-2255
- Email: support@priority-info.com
- Web: http://www.dhs.gov.government-emergency-telecommunications-service-gets
To report problems using GETS, call 800-818-GETS (4387) or 703-818-GETS (DC Metro Area).
Please report problems as soon as you encounter them.
Other Resources
FCC Contacts
Tim Perrier
- Phone: 202-418-1190
- Email: Timothy.Perrier@fcc.gov
FCC 24/7 Operations Center
- Phone: 202-418-1122
- Email: FCCOPS@fcc.gov