What is MTPAS Mobile Telecommunication Privileged Access Scheme

Technical details of the Mobile Telecommunication Privileged Access Scheme (MTPAS):

1. Overview:
   • MTPAS is a procedure implemented in the United Kingdom to prioritize access to mobile telephone networks for privileged individuals, specifically members of emergency services designated at a local level.
   • It replaced the earlier system called ACCOLC in 2009.
2. Authorized Users:
   • MTPAS is available only to Category 1 and 2 Responders, as defined in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. These responders include emergency services personnel and partner organizations directly supporting them during emergency incidents.
3. Activation Process:
   • During a major incident, the Police Gold Commander (responsible for managing the response) notifies all network operators that an emergency has been declared.
   • Activation of MTPAS becomes the responsibility of the network operators.
   • The incident may cause an abnormally high concentration of calls on mobile networks.
   • Handsets equipped with a privileged access SIM have a significantly higher likelihood of connecting to the network and making calls compared to other customers.
4. Cell-Based Activation:
   • Mobile telephones operate on a cell basis. In the UK, cells adjacent to the incident are identified, and MTPAS is activated only on those specific cells.
   • MTPAS-aware phones are granted access to the network, while other users receive a fast beep (referred to as a fast busy signal).
   • Once connected, calls are routed like any other.
5. Access Control Classes:
   • MTPAS access levels are indicated on the SIM card or in protected storage on the handset.
   • A set of numbers in the range 0 to 15 defines the Access Control Class.
   • For instance, if the 16-bit control word is 1010-0000-0011-1111, only phones with MTPAS access levels 1, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 will be allowed to place calls.
   • The decision to permit a call is made by the handset itself, not the cellular network.
6. Priority Levels:
   • In the UK, ordinary cellphone users have numbers in the range 0 to 9.
   • Higher priority users are allocated numbers 12 to 14.
   • During an emergency, some or all access classes in the range 0 to 9 are disabled.
   • If the overload condition persists, mobiles with access classes level 10, 11, and beyond may also be disabled by the network operator.
7. Initiation and Authorization:
   • MTPAS is typically initiated when authorized by a British police “gold” commander after coordination with the co-ordinating group.
   • It ensures that MTPAS is used judiciously during network overload situations.