NCJ Number
217548
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 62,64,65
Date Published
February 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Wireless Priority Service (WPS), a cellular capability developed allowing first responders/public safety users priority access during periods of peak demand.
Abstract
The Wireless Priority Service (WPS) was developed by the National Communications System (NCS). In 2001, NCS began working with cellular operators and infrastructure vendors on a voluntary basis to develop specifications for WPS. WPS is designed as an “add-on” feature to standard voice cellular service subscriptions. WPS provides the first responder or public safety user priority queuing to the network for emergency communications. The authorized user dials *272 plus the destination number and the send key. WPS is only granted to key Federal, State, local, and tribal government and critical infrastructure personnel. Wireless carriers that offer WPS can offer their own pricing plans but will not charge more than the guidelines allow. To obtain WPS, the manager should determine if the organization already has a point of contact for Government Emergency Telephone System (GETS) or WPS and have them request it through the online GETS-WPS Information Delivery Service. If an established point of contact is uncertain, there are procedures listed on the NCS Web site (www.wps.ncs.gov).