TSPS stands for Telecommunications Service Priority System. It is a prioritization system used by the United States government to ensure the continuity of vital telecommunications services during times of crisis, emergencies, or national security events.
TSPS is designed to provide a framework for identifying and prioritizing key telecommunications services that are necessary for carrying out essential functions, such as government operations, public safety, and national defense. The system works by assigning priority levels to different types of telecommunication services based on their criticality and importance in facilitating emergency response and recovery efforts.
Under TSPS, telecommunications service providers and networks are required to implement measures to prioritize and secure the delivery of communications to entities that have been granted priority access. These entities typically include government agencies, emergency services, critical infrastructure providers, and other essential service providers.
The priorities established within TSPS ensure that these key entities receive uninterrupted and reliable telecommunication services, even in situations where network capacity might be strained or disrupted. By having a predetermined priority system in place, TSPS helps to ensure that communications can be maintained, allowing for effective decision-making, coordination, and response during times of crisis.
TSPS is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) in close collaboration with telecommunications industry stakeholders and government agencies responsible for emergency management and national security.
