Requesting WPS

During the WPS Initial Operational Capability (IOC) period, end-to-end priority call treatment will not be available through WPS alone. Use of the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) with WPS will provide the highest probability of call completion.

Even after the wireless carriers deploy WPS with the Full Operational Capability (FOC), it is recommended that WPS subscribers use GETS along with their WPS phone. Long distance emergency calls are more likely to complete when carried by one of the three GETS interexchange carriers (AT&T, MCI, or Sprint), especially if the destination is in a congested area.

Do not subscribe to a new wireless service plan until you have been approved for WPS by the NCS.

Applying for WPS

If your organization already participates in WPS, contact your WPS POC. If you need assistance in identifying your POC, contact us by e-mail at wps@ncs.gov, or by phone at 1-866-NCS-CALL (in the metro Washington, DC area call 703-760-2255).

To request WPS, the requesting organization must:

1. Identify a WPS Point of Contact (POC) and alternate who will be managing the WPS account for the organization. We recommend these personnel be the same POCs as for the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS), if applicable.

2.The POC validates that prospective WPS user(s) meet the WPS NS/EP criteria and submits a request form for each individual.

3. The NCS will review the request, approve or disapprove, and notify the requesting organization.

4. Upon approval of the request, the NCS will coordinate with the organization to activate WPS on an existing WPS-capable phone or assist the organization in identifying a wireless service provider.

WPS Automated Request Processing

The web-based automated process for registration of organizational WPS POC/alternate POC and WPS Users is now available.

Logon - First Time WPS Requestor Organizations desiring to subscribe to WPS must first identify a Point of Contact (POC) and alternate who will manage their WPS account. These are preferably the same individuals who currently serve as the organization’s GETS POC and alternate, if applicable. The POC will submit WPS request forms for individuals who meet the WPS National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) Criteria (see Eligibilty) to the NCS for approval. Upon approval, the NCS will coordinate with the organization’s wireless service provider to activate the WPS feature on their wireless accounts. The organization will be advised when the service is available.

	Logon - Established WPS POC Current WPS subscribers.