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PTI is now ‘GETS’ compliant
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Posted on Sep 17 2008
The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service program, which provides high-ranking government personnel and first-time emergency responders immediate priority access for calls during an emergency crisis situation, is now accessible in the CNMI.
GETS is a White House directed emergency phone service provided by a Division of the Department of Homeland Security and only applies to a certain group of people who are directly linked to national security or emergency preparedness missions. If one meets the eligibility requirements, a phone card is issued along with an access number and a pin code which is required to log on to the system and avail of the service for a minimal charge.
John Hirsh, Executive Director for the NMI Red Cross Chapter, explains how he was able to utilize the GETS card prior to being mobilized to Louisiana during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After numerous, unsuccessful attempts to reach the New Orleans Red Cross Chapter, he placed a call using the access number and it immediately patched his call through and was able to reach his colleague.
“The system was able to prioritize my call and somehow bypass all the disrupted services,” added Hirsh.
PTI remains committed in providing the CNMI with reliable communication and at the same time recognizes the importance and benefits of the GETS program for the community. This commitment has translated into countless hours of manpower just to get the system in compliance. There are daily reporting requirements and operational measurements that must be fulfilled in order to be designated “compliant.”
PTI’s Network Service Manager Jim Calderwood led the project.
“Although GETS applies to only a selected group, PTI can assure the CNMI that immediate communication will be available in times of calamity or distress, where access to phone lines are limited or disrupted,” said Kathryn Barry, Regional Marketing Manager of PTI. “CNMI Disaster Preparedness Month reminds us all the importance of being ready in the event of an emergency,” she added.
For more information, you may log on to http://www.gets.ncs.gov or call 682-4PTI. [B][I](PTI)[/I][/B]
