GETS Program Information

The GETS Concept - How GETS Works - Operational Concept - Architecture

How GETS Works

Dialing Plan
The dialing plan is based on the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code that is reserved for National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) use. This area code is valid in the three interexchange carriers (IXCs) that support GETS (AT&T, Verizon Business, and Sprint) and all local exchange carriers (LECs), wireless carriers, and foreign carriers. The normal access mode is through your pre-subscribed long distance carrier by dialing the universal access number (provided to qualified users on a GETS dialing card). If this is not successful or if you are not subscribed to one of the GETS IXCs, you may access GETS by first dialing 1010288 for AT&T, 1010222 for Verizon Business, or 1010333 for Sprint, followed by the universal access number. In addition, toll-free numbers offered by each IXC provide access to GETS. Means of accessing GETS through the Federal Technology Service (FTS), the Defense Switched Network (DSN), or other government capabilities are also available.

It is not possible to use GETS to dial a toll-free destination number. Most toll-free phone numbers translate to a regular 10-digit NANP telephone number. Contact organizations you work with during emergencies that use toll-free phone numbers and obtain a regular toll number. Encourage planners to provide both numbers in their emergency planning documents (for example, 1+800-818-GETS translates to toll number 703-818-4387).

Access Through Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
GETS has been designed to ensure that only authorized users can access the service. This is accomplished through the use of unique PINs. Numerous safeguards have been implemented to protect the distribution, use, and control of these PINs. After dialing the universal access number, the GETS user will be prompted to enter a PIN and destination number.

If a valid PIN is not entered within three PIN entry attempts, or if an invalid destination number is entered, the call will be disconnected. If the access control system fails, the call will be processed and allowed to complete. PINs can be deactivated for fraud or abuse.

Enhanced Routing
LECs, wireless, and foreign carriers will route GETS calls to one of the three GETS IXCs, who have each implemented enhanced routing services for GETS calls in their networks. Enhanced routing capabilities have also been implemented in many LEC networks.

Priority Treatment
GETS traffic receives priority treatment over normal traffic through:

• Controls such as trunk queuing, trunk sub-grouping, or trunk reservation
• Exemption from protective network management controls, which are
  used to reduce network congestion
• High probability of completion (HPC) capability to provide
  • NS/EP identification
  • Priority signaling

These features enhance the capability of NS/EP calls to be completed in congested networks. GETS will not preempt public traffic, nor are there levels of precedence in GETS.

International Calling
GETS can be used to place calls to or from international locations. For GETS calls that originate overseas and are destined for the United States, the foreign carrier assigns the call to an IXC in accordance with existing business arrangements. After the call has reached the gateway switch in the United States, if it is routed to AT&T, Verizon Business, or Sprint, the carrier will route it to access control for PIN validation and then to the destination.

Interoperability with Other Networks
You can access GETS through FTS or DSN by first accessing these circuits and then entering the universal access number. FTS or DSN will automatically route the call to GETS. This direct access around potential PSN problems is an important method of avoiding outages or congestion in the local carriers.

Transmission Augmentation and Restoration
GETS uses the following NCS-managed capabilities to provide improved connectivity and network management service during times of crisis.

• Wireless Priority Service (WPS) provides nationwide priority access/egress into GETS through commercial wireless services.
• Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) provides for priority installation and restoral of NS/EP telecommunication services.

Access Through "Number Translation" Calls
GETS provides called telephone number translations for users who require this type of service.

Protection of Records
Carriers that provide access control capabilities protect PIN databases and call detail records by limiting access to selected authorized personnel.

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