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This is a copy of our Tar Heel Mission Ready newsletter, a monthly publication that provides information and updates related to mission continuity, preparedness and planning. All members of the University are invited to subscribe.
As part of our continuous efforts to enhance resilience and preparedness, we’re excited to share a new opportunity to access the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) program through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This service will will be available to the primary plan manager starting next year and will add a vital layer of redundancy for critical communications during disruptions.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

What is GETS?

GETS is a priority communication service designed to ensure that government, critical infrastructure, and essential personnel can maintain connectivity during disasters and other major events that may lead to network congestion. In such scenarios, regular channels can be overwhelmed, preventing timely and effective communication. GETS allows users to bypass congestion and get priority access for voice communications over public switched telephone networks.

This capability is essential for ensuring that key personnel within our university can continue coordinating response and recovery efforts, regardless of the event’s impact on traditional communication systems. For plan managers responsible for Mission Continuity, this service could play a critical role during a crisis, especially when coordination across departments or with external partners is necessary.

Why Should Primary Plan Managers Use GETS?

As you know, maintaining communication is crucial for the success of any continuity effort. In times of disruption, having access to reliable communication channels can mean the difference between quick recovery and prolonged disruption. GETS provides the ability to:

  • Ensure prioritized access to communication networks, even when public systems are saturated.
  • Support critical incident response and coordination with internal and external teams.
  • Maintain real-time information exchange during major disruptions or disaster scenarios.
  • GETS is particularly useful during incidents that impact widespread areas, such as severe weather events, mass outages, or national-level emergencies

How Will It Be Implemented?

Starting next year, our office will begin offering GETS access to primary plan managers as part of our Next Gen Kuali rollout. Once enrolled, plan managers will be issued digital GETS cards that include unique dialing instructions, and secure PIN numbers allowing for immediate use during disruptions.

Training and materials will be provided early next year to ensure everyone understands how to utilize this tool effectively. Our team will also be available to assist in answering questions and ensuring that your Mission Continuity plans integrate this new capability. As always, our goal is to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to support your continuity efforts. By offering GETS, we aim to ensure that when disruptions occur, you are prepared, connected, and Mission Ready.

Stay resilient, be Mission Ready!

Resources for Plan Administrators

Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) is a White House-directed emergency telephone service provided and managed by CISA. GETS provides subscribers with priority access and prioritized processing in the local and long-distance segments of landline telephone networks.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
The PTS Dialer App automatically uses the GETS access numbers and the subscriber’s PIN to streamline placing a call during times of emergency or network degradation.
PTS Dialer App
Need Help? Whether you need assistance with plan development, risk assessment, or creating your own Risk Matrix, don’t hesitate to contact Crystal Donaldson. She can help you schedule a review of your Mission Continuity Plan to ensure your strategies are effective and up-to-date.
Crystal Donaldson
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