Dynamic E911 supports a series of regulatory and technology initiatives to update and improve 911 response.

Why is Dynamic E911 Needed?

Things have changed since on-premises phone systems were first introduced. The number of fixed-line devices has steadily declined, whereas the market share of mobile devices continues to skyrocket. Legacy 911 regulations that were written for a less mobile world are not suited to today’s communications reality…

• Every day in the United States, callers place 600,000 calls for emergency response – that’s 240 million per year.
• Approximately one-third of U.S. households now rely on a mobile device for their primary service.
• In many areas, the overwhelming majority – about 80% – of those 911 calls are from mobile devices.
• 911 calls through VoIP have also grown dramatically.

Two key federal laws are strengthening 911 emergency calling: Kari’s Law and Section 506 of the RAY BAUM’S Act.

E911 Direct Dialing, Notification, and Dispatchable Location Requirements from the FCC here: https://www.fcc.gov/mlts-911-requirements

What it Means for You

If your organization is planning to deploy a new telephone system, ensure that your providers’ offerings comply with these federal mandates. Also, many states have adopted their own 911 regulations.

Kari’s Law

This legislation arose from a tragic real-world scenario: in a Texas motel, Kari Hunt lost her life in an attack by her estranged husband. During the attack, Ms. Hunt’s daughter was unable to directly dial 911 from the motel room – the on-premises system expected certain digits to precede 911.

Congress enacted Kari’s Law to ensure that users of a multi-line telephone system (MLTS) can directly dial 911 from within the system, with no special prefixes or other codes. The law also mandates that 911 calls be sent with a valid callback number to facilitate building entry by first responders.

RAY BAUM’s Act

As with Kari’s Law, under Section 506 of RAY BAUM’S act (Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services) the FCC has adopted rules that aim to save lives by modifying aspects of 911 communications.

Whether you are using a fixed-line device (such as a traditional on-premises device/landline) or a non-fixed device (such as a VoIP softphone or IP desk phone), RAY BAUM’S Act aims to ensure that your device is associated with a dispatchable location – so that first responders can find you, even if you cannot speak or confirm your address.

When it comes to E911 compliance, your local CTS experts can help. Contact CTS today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.