What Is E911, and What Does My Business Have to Do?
911 on a business phone system is not automatic, and two federal laws set the rules. Here is what E911 is, what Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act require, and what it means for your VoIP setup.
Kari's Law took effect February 16, 2020, and RAY BAUM's Act dispatchable-location rules phased in through 2021 and 2022 for multi-line telephone systems and interconnected VoIP.
Source: FCC, MLTS 911 requirements (Kari's Law & RAY BAUM's Act)
What E911 is
Enhanced 911 attaches location information to a 911 call so dispatchers know where to send help. On a home line that location is obvious. On a business system with many phones, or with softphones people carry between locations, the system has to be configured to send the right location for each device.
Kari's Law: dial 911 directly
Kari's Law requires that a person can dial 911 straight from any business phone without first pressing 9 or an access code, and that a notification (for example, to a front desk or manager) is sent when someone does. It is named after a case where a caller could not reach 911 because the system required a prefix.
RAY BAUM's Act: dispatchable location
RAY BAUM's Act requires that a dispatchable location, a street address plus specific detail like a suite, floor, or room, is delivered with every 911 call, so responders can find the caller inside a larger building, not just at the street door.
Common questions
Does my VoIP phone support 911?
Modern business VoIP supports 911, but it has to be set up correctly, with the right registered address for each phone or location. That configuration is exactly what Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act require, and what a good installer handles for you.
What is a dispatchable location?
It is the caller's address plus enough detail to find them inside the building, such as a suite, floor, or room number. RAY BAUM's Act requires it be sent with 911 calls from business systems.
Do these laws apply to a small office?
Generally yes. The rules apply to multi-line telephone systems and interconnected VoIP, which covers most business phone systems, not just large enterprises. A properly configured system keeps you compliant.
What happens if my system is not compliant?
Beyond the legal exposure, the real risk is a 911 call that cannot be completed or that sends responders to the wrong place. It is worth confirming your system meets both laws when it is installed.
Want your phones set up right for 911?
We configure business phone systems to meet Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act, so a 911 call goes through and reaches the right place.