Industry Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Industry Canada > Radio, Spectrum and Telecommunications > Emergency Telecommunications > National Activities > Wireless Priority Service (WPS)

Emergency Telecommunications

Wireless Priority Service (WPS)

Wireless telecommunications services can play a vital role in how you coordinate and respond to an emergency. If you are part of a business continuity plan (BCP), WPS may be for you.

During an emergency, many people use wireless phones, and congestion on these networks is possible. WPS ensures priority access to wireless networks by providing qualified subscribers with the next available wireless channel on an antenna tower. WPS is available to essential personnel responsible for public safety, emergency preparedness, continuity of government and other critical services.

With Industry Canada support, WPS is offered by some Canadian wireless service providers. Industry Canada approves WPS applications and maintains the database of essential personnel who qualify. The service providers charge user fees for priority access to their networks.

WPS Functionality, Process and Procedures

What is WPS?

WPS is an enhancement to basic mobile service that allows registered essential personnel calls to queue for the next available service channel while minimizing impact on regular consumer access to the same wireless infrastructure. WPS will not terminate calls in progress. Since it is simply giving subscribers priority access to an antenna tower for outgoing calls, it does not guarantee the completion of the call, which still has to travel through other parts of the network. It does however mitigate congestion on the local tower, which is important during emergencies.

When and how do I use WPS?

Most congestion happens at the antenna tower. Should your tower become congested, activate WPS by dialing *272 on your WPS-enabled mobile phone, prior to the destination number. For example dial *272 613 555 1111.

Handsets must have access to your service provider’s 2G network. At this time, 3G networks do not support WPS. In addition to any initial and ongoing fees that may be charged for the service, wireless service providers charge an additional WPS fee per minute once a WPS call is initiated.

Who should have WPS?

WPS is intended for use by personnel who have emergency, public safety, continuity of government, or other critical service responsibilities. If you are part of a BCP (business continuity plan) you may be eligible for WPS.

There are various WPS priority levels, and access to the antenna tower is granted using these rankings. Industry Canada authorizes users for WPS through an online tool called the Emergency Telecommunications Data System (ETDS).

What are the WPS priority levels?

  • Priority Level 1 - Executive leadership and decision makers
  • Priority Level 2 - Disaster Response/Military Command and Control
  • Priority Level 3 - Public Health and Safety and Law Enforcement Command
  • Priority Level 4 - Public Service/Utilities and Public Welfare
  • Priority Level 5 - Disaster Recovery

Examples are available for each WPS priority level to help you determine which best suits your type of work.

Is there a cost to this service?

Yes. Your mobile provider may charge an activation fee, a monthly fee and per minute fee which varies from your basic package.

How do I get WPS?

Many organizations already have Group Managers registered with Industry Canada for priority services requests. Group Mangers submit requests online via the Emergency Telecommunications Data System (ETDS).

WPS Detailed Process

  1. Contact your organization’s ETDS Group Manager to ensure you are eligible for WPS within your organization, and if so, to request the service.
  • Group Managers are normally people involved in emergency planning or in telecommunications services.
  • Group Managers can advise you as to which service providers offer WPS.
  • Call Industry Canada’s National Emergency Telecommunications Services at 1-866-266-9031 if you require assistance in identifying your Group Manager.
  1. Enter into a contract with a service provider who offers WPS and obtain a handset that is compatible with 2G networks (at this time, 3G networks do not support WPS).
  1. Notify your Group Manager of your mobile number and he/she will enter your information, including your WPS priority level, into Industry Canada’s ETDS, and will request WPS for your mobile phone.
  • This initiates the activation process.
  • Industry Canada may verify your WPS priority level and reserves the right to modify it and to revoke WPS.
  1. The Group Manager, the owner of the phone, the wireless service provider and Industry Canada receive emails that WPS has been requested.
  1. The wireless service provider contacts the Group Manager, within 2-3 business days to confirm activation of WPS.
  • If the client works for the federal government, the department’s Client Technical Authority or Authorized Authority will also be contacted for approval.
  • Where possible, clients receive a text message on their mobile phone once WPS has been activated. An email is also sent to the client.

How do I know WPS is activated?

You can test for WPS by dialing *272 followed by a telephone number. If you have WPS the call will complete (you will hear a phone ring at the other end). If you do not have WPS, you will hear a repeating and progressive tone (unlike a busy signal).

If you have followed all the above steps and do not see the monthly WPS fee on your wireless phone bill, call your service provider to confirm the service has been activated. You may also contact your Group Manager to follow up.

Reference Documents

Contacts

To obtain more information and/or the name of your Group Manager, contact: Industry Canada’s National Emergency Telecommunications Services.

Email: wps.info@ic.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-866-266-9031
Fax: 1-613-993-4433

Date Modified: 2010-02-03

Top of page
Important Notices