Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) Calling Card: User Guide

Target Audience: Designated City Personnel (Emergency Responders, Critical Staff, Leadership)

What is GETS?

The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) is a priority phone service provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Purpose: To ensure authorized National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) personnel can place critical phone calls over the public switched telephone network during emergencies or disasters when networks are congested.

How it Works: Calls placed using your GETS PIN receive priority treatment, greatly increasing the probability that your call will go through, even when the network is overloaded.

When Should I Use My GETS Card?

Only use your GETS card in official capacity when commercial telephone networks are congested or degraded, and you have an urgent, mission-critical call.

Examples of Appropriate Use:

  • Coordinating emergency response operations during a major weather event.
  • Reporting immediate, critical infrastructure damage.
  • Communicating with state/federal partners when standard phone lines are failing.

Do NOT Use For:

  • Routine, non-emergency communications.
  • Personal calls.
  • As a general long-distance calling card.

How to Make a GETS Call (Step-by-Step)

The GETS card has a universal access number and a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN).

From a Landline or VOIP Phone

  • Dial the Universal GETS Access Number: 1-710-627-4387
    • (This number spells 1-710-NCS-GETS)
  • Wait for the tone and enter your 12-digit PIN: (Your PIN is located on the front of your GETS card).
  • Wait for the prompt and enter the Destination Number: Dial the full 10-digit number (Area Code + Phone Number). Do NOT dial '1' before the destination number.
  • Wait for the call to connect. In severe congestion, you may hear silence or intermittent tones. DO NOT hang up. Stay on the line; the system is attempting to connect the call.

From a Non-WPS-Enabled Cellular Phone

  • The procedure is the same as the landline steps above, but the call's priority treatment only begins once it enters the landline network.

From a WPS-Enabled Cellular Phone (Highest Priority)

  • If your cellular device is also enabled with Wireless Priority Service (WPS), use this method for end-to-end priority:
  • Dial the WPS Code:
    • *272
  • Immediately Dial the Universal GETS Access Number: *272 1-710-627-4387
  • Press SEND or CALL.
  • Follow the Prompts: Enter your 12-digit PIN and the Destination Number (10 digits).

Alternate Access Numbers

If you are unable to connect using the universal 710 number, use the alternate numbers listed on the back of your card (which are typically carrier-specific).

  • AT&T
    • 1-888-288-4387 or 1-877-646-4387
  • Sprint
    • 1-800-257-8373 or 1-855-333-4387
  • Verizon
    • 1-800-900-4387 or 1-855-400-4387

GETS/WPS Testing

It is recommended to test your GETS card periodically to ensure you are familiar with the process.

To Perform a Test Call:

  • Follow the steps in Section 3 (How to Make a GETS Call).
  • For the destination number, dial a number you can verify, such as your desk or a known colleague's number.
  • If the call connects, your access is active.

Important Contacts & Resources

  • GETS User Assistance (24/7)
    • For problems using the GETS service or questions about access.
    • 1-800-818-4387 (or 703-818-4387)
  • City EOC / Emergency Management
    • For questions about your card status, training, or eligibility.
  • City IT Help Desk
    • For technical questions related to city-issued phone equipment.
  • PTS Dialer App
    • Search your phone's app store for "PTS Dialer" to simplify the GETS/WPS dialing process.