The National Communications System (NCS) developed Wireless Priority Service (WPS) to give key personnel first priority when making emergency wireless calls.

Who can apply?

Key government and critical infrastructure personnel may be eligible for Wireless Priority Service using the Cellcom network. Typically, these individuals command and control functions critical to management of, and response to, national security and emergency situations.

Examples include:
 * Executive leaders such as members of Congress, mayors and county officials
 * Disaster response and qualifying military personnel
 * Public health, safety and law enforcement
 * Public services and utilities, and public welfare
 * Disaster recovery (medical and field support) personnel

What does WPS cost?
As an easy-to-use, add-on feature that organizations can subscribe to on a per-cell phone basis, Wireless Priority Service requires no special phones. Organizations pay a one-time activation fee of $10 per phone, and there is no monthly service fee. Airtime costs 75 cents per minute. WPS calls do not count against anytime minutes on the organization's Cellcom calling plan.

How do I make a WPS call?

To use the service, callers simply dial *272, followed by the destination phone number [example: *272 (920) 333-1234]. The *272 prefix needs to be dialed prior to making each WPS call. Silence is normal during the connection period, which may take up to 60 seconds.

How does our organization obtain service?
Once approved for WPS, the organization's Point of Contact (POC) will procure equipment and establish basic Cellcom service (if service isn't already in place). If not previously provided, the POC will also send the NCS basic account and phone number information. The NCS then issues an order to Cellcom, and Cellcom adds the WPS feature to the authorized phones.

I'm interested in participating, now what?

For complete Wireless Priority Service program information, and to apply, visit http://wps.ncs.gov/. Cellcom cannot directly approve your organization, or activate the feature, without the National Communications System order.

Remember: it's better to play it safe and have this service in place than it is to take the chance of not being able to get a critical call through during an emergency situation.

And the cool thing is that text messages don't count towards your airtime charges or wireless calling plan minutes. And you can subscribe to Internet providers to receive breaking news, weather updates, email and more via text message.

And the cool thing is that text messages don't count towards your airtime charges or wireless calling plan minutes. Using Quik|TxT Business Share, you can share text messages with others on the same account and calling plan.

Picture messaging isn't just for kids anymore! You'd be amazed how many corporate uses a camera phone can solve.

Please refer to your user's manual for your particular handset's functionality. Remember when sending an International Text Message, you must send the message to 011 + Country Code + Mobile Number.

View list of supported countries.