# Presentation: 427986

## Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)

***Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)***

**OVERCOMING WIRELINE****CONGESTION IN EMERGENCIES**

## The Fundamental Issue:Network Congestion

**The Fundamental Issue:****Network Congestion**

***Congestion,******at ***_***one***_*** of ***_***many***_*** points, can block a call!***

**AT&T **
**MCI**
**SPRINT**

**Local Exchange**
**Networks**

**Mobile**
** ****Switch**

**Wireless Priority Service *****addresses ******wireless ******congestion at***

**Government Emergency Telecommunications Service *****addresses ******wireline ******congestion***

**Local Exchange**
**Networks**

**Mobile**

**Switch**

***call origination***

***and                 call termination***

**Notes:**
The NCS has two NS/EP programs that contend with the PSN network congestion to assure NS/EP communications remain viable during NS/EP events.  The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service or GETS overcomes the congestion in the landline local exchange and interexchange carrier networks.  
The Wireless Priority Service augments the GETS landline capabilities by addressing the wireless congestion experienced on the radio channels.

##    The GETS Calling Card

**   **

**GETS priority is invoked**
**“****call-by-call”**

**Calling cards are in widespread use and easily understood by the NS/EP User, simplifying GETS usage**

**GETS is a "**_**ubiquitous**_**" service in the Public Switched Telephone Network...if you can get a DIAL TONE, you can make a GETS call**

**0123 4567 8910**

**Disaster Response Team #1**

-  **US CITY EOC**

**Notes:**
GETS is an “off-the-shelf” capability, in some aspects.  The front of the GETS calling card carries the user’s name and organization, with the 12 digit personal identification number (PIN)

The back of the card, shown in the foreground to the bottom, provides instructions to make a GETS call, including the universal access number (1-701-NCS-GETS) and alternative calling methods using a Carrier Access Code or a special toll free number.

Using the industry standard approach for calling cards keeps costs down and provides an easily understood approach for the users.

##    GETS Overview

**	****Number from any phone**

- ..

**2. Call is routed to a GETS Carrier.  When prompted, dial PIN and Destination Number**

**3. Call is routed to Destination Number**

**   ****GETS Overview**

##    How GETS Works

*** **National Security/Emergency Preparedness

**   ****How GETS Works**

##    Making a GETS Call

- GETS Access Number

- Toll Free number for each GETS carrier (backup)

- Toll Free User Assistance number (24x7)

- 12 Digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)

**Dial GETS Access Number**
**Listen for tone, then dial your PIN (**_**do not**_** dial # after last digit)**
**Listen for voice prompt “please enter your destination number now”**
**Dial the destination number (omit the 1 before the area code)**
**You will hear “you are using GETS, AT&T/MCI/Sprint”**
**Call will route to the destination telephone number**

- User Name and Organization

- Periods of silence are normal – particularly if call is queued during heavy congestion.  Calls may take several minutes.

**   ****Making a GETS Call**

## Power of GETS

**Utilizes robustness of the public switched network**
**6 Ways to get to long distance networks rather than 2**
**Priority over public calls in signaling network**
**Exemption from Network Management Controls**
**Enhanced routing alternatives in public networks**
**Priority treatment in public networks**
**Queuing for available circuits during access and egress, including queuing for circuits to Private Branch Exchanges (PBX) during egress**
**GETS enhancements work for local and long distance calls**

## GETS Examples

**During 9/11 event 10,000 GETS calls attempted into/out of/within New York City and Washington area with 95% completion rate **
**GETS not just for priority on Long Distance Calls**
**GETS extremely useful with local congestion or damage**
**Extensive use for calls between end offices within NYC during 9/11 when local trunks damaged but long distance trunks still operational**
**Bridge with comm links swept away in Oregon floods – GETS connected shorelines via long distance back door**
**Nisqually Earthquake – GETS calls within area exempt from network management controls**
**During Blackout 8/14-15 1231 GETS calls into/out of/within affected areas with 90% + success rate**

## Who is Authorized to Use GETS

**Organizations that support one or more of the following five National Security / Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) mission areas, qualify for NCS sponsorship to become a GETS user:**

**National Security Leadership**
**National Security Posture and US Population Attack Warning**
**Public Health, Safety, and Maintenance of Law and Order**
**Public Welfare and Maintenance of National Economic Posture**
**Disaster Recovery**

***Non-Federal users require NCS member sponsorship***

**Who is Authorized to Use GETS**

## GETS Website: gets.ncs.gov

**Access the NCS GETS Homepage for information on  GETS**
**Use easy to follow process to sign up for GETS**
**Download GETS documentation and training tools**

## GETS Costs

**NCS pays for calls by Federal agencies up to an annual ceiling**
**NCS cannot pay for non-Federal calls**
**Non-Federal organizations establish an account through NCS to pay for calls**
**GETS calls cost 7.5¢-10¢ per minute, depending on carrier**
**Operator assisted and international calls are higher**
**Test calls to 703-818-3924 not billed**
**NCS reserves right to bill for *****all***** calls if fraud or abuse is detected**

## Familiarization and Testing

**Encourage GETS cards be distributed to all personnel who have a need for emergency communication**
**Keep some in Stockpile for unanticipated needs (****≈10%)**
**Encourage GETS card holders to use their card to become familiar with how to use it while in a non-stressed non-emergency situation**
**Use it from home, office, stores, hotels, etc., and on cellular networks – anywhere you might be in an emergency**
**PBX/Centrex/Payphones/Cellular may not recognize 710 area code – we need to get them fixed before an emergency occurs**
**Report problems to GETS User Assistance – 1-800-818-GETS or (703-818-GETS)**
**Use toll-free or CAC (1010xxx) numbers if  710-NCS-GETS fails**
**Incorporate GETS into your exercise scenarios**

## How Do You Order GETS?

**If your organization already participates in GETS, your Point of Contact (POC) applies for GETS for all users within the organization**
**To sign up a new organization:**
**Go to **_**gets.ncs.gov**_** to sign up on-line, or**
**Call 866-NCS-CALL, then choose option 1**
**Upon approval, GETS cards are mailed to the POC within about a week**

## For More Information