Downtime Resources

FDPH 800 MHz Portable Radio - Two-way radios encrypted with SFDPH talk groups. The 800 MHz portable radios are part of the Citywide Emergency Radio System (CERS), a dedicated trunked public safety radio system that provides radio services to first responders and other Federal, State, and local agencies. The 800 MHz portable radios are used by San Francisco Department of Public Health facilities, hospitals, outpatient care sites, and Community-Based Organizations.

Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) - GETS prioritizes calls for approved essential services when landline networks are degraded or congested. GETS calls can be made from a landline phone or a mobile phone to a landline, and there is no charge to use the service. 

MSAT Radio (mobile satellite) - satellite-based communication system designed for police, fire, EMS, utilities, transportation, and remote field operations. MSAT radios enable reliable, wide-area push-to-talk voice communication and data transfer using geostationary satellites, ensuring connectivity in remote regions where cellular service is unavailable or during disasters when traditional networks fail. UCSF has one MSAT, maintained by Enterprise Emergency Management. 

Red Phone - UCSFIT-supported AT&T lines used by UCSF staff. Red Phones do not rely on power or network connectivity to function. These phones must be plugged into the port they are assigned to and will not work if relocated without IT support. 

ReddiNet - A wired satellite phone used by clinical staff, the SF Department of Public Health and all hospitals in San Francisco to communicate hospital emergency department status, bed capacity, and provide coordination during mass casualty incidents, disasters, and family reunification efforts. It connects via satellite at UCSF’s Mission Bay and Parnassus campuses and is an essential tool for real-time communication between hospitals and emergency response teams. 

Satellite Phones (limited distribution) - Commercial wireless radio telephones used by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and hospitals in San Francisco. Satellite phones rely on radio transmission via orbiting satellites, and strictly operate under direct “line-of-sight” rules.  You may need to go to an outdoor area with a clear view of the sky to use this phone. 

Wireless Priority Service (WPS) - This service allows you to make cellular calls, with priority, to anyone on any carrier network device when cellular networks are congested.  

The UCSF Disaster Hotline (415)-885-7828 - A dedicated phone number for the UCSF community to receive critical updates. In all emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises, information will be posted on the Be Ready UCSF site and periodically recorded on the disaster hotline number (415)-885-7828, or 5-7828 if you are calling from a campus phone.

FirstNet (First Responder Network Authority) - A dedicated cellular communications network for police, fire, EMS, hospital and public safety entities. FirstNet ensures reliable, prioritized communication to other FirstNet phones during emergencies, disasters, and daily operations.