If you are not already aware, new federal E911 legislation has been enacted that affects all businesses nationwide. In 2020, Collaborative communication systems work to connect employees across any distance. However, the tools that allow us to collaborate must also work to keep us safe and secure. As we have been growing into increasingly dispersed and mobile environments, the ways in which we approach safety and security must adapt. The FCC recognized this need, and sought to ensure:
Nationwide accessibility to 911 and emergency services
The proper personnel are made aware of an emergency on the enterprise through a notification (even from a remote location)
A 9-1-1 caller is accurately located no matter where they may be calling from
What is E911?
An E911 is a electronic system used in North America to automatically provide your location to 911 dispatchers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted new rules and regulations on all businesses and their E911 systems.
These regulations are designed to protect your business and the safety of your users who expect to be able to dial 911 and get the help they need.
The two rules implemented on your business are Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act. They were put into place in honor of Kari Hunt who passed away because her 9-year-old daughter was unable to call 911 directly without the use of a prefix for dialing out.
As a result, these rules are now in place and require manufacturers and vendors to pre-configure business phone systems to support direct dialing of 911 and notifications capabilities in multi-line telephone systems. This means keeping your workforce safe and secure, no matter where they may be.
Kari’s Law –
This law requires all phones be able to dial 911 directly. In addition, it requires notification capability for all multi-line business phone systems.
The notification must be sent to an on-site or off-site central location where someone is likely to see or hear it.
Furthermore, the notification must follow these guidelines –
The fact that a 911 call has been made
A valid call back number
Callers location
Please see for more information on Kari’s law and the steps you need to take to stay compliant.
Ray Baum’s Act –
This act ensures that a “dispatchable location” is conveyed with 911 calls to dispatch centers, regardless of the platform used.
This means that whenever someone dials 9-1-1 with any phone in your enterprise’s network, whether it be from a hard or soft phone, the 911 dispatch must automatically receive the location of that caller.
Dispatchable location is a location delivered with a 911 call that consists of
Validated street address
Suite or apartment number
Any information needed assist in locating you or your employee
Please see for more information on Ray Baum’s act and how it can affect your business.
In conclusion, Both rules are in place to ensure that first responders are dispatched as quickly as possible to your correct location. Protect yourself and your business from risk and make sure that you are compliant for 2021!
Cyber One Solutions closely monitors your E911 compliance and ensures that your business phone system is properly configured. Contact us now for an assessment of your risk.
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