RAY BAUM’s Act
What is RAY BAUM’s Act?
RAY BAUM’s Act is broad in scope, but the aspect most commonly focused on is Section 506, which refers to the rules adopted by the FCC requiring enterprises to utilize multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to provide automated dispatchable locations for all 911 calls.
Dispatchable location information provided to the public safety answering point (PSAP) includes a valid civic address and other information such as building, floor, suite, or room number “necessary to adequately identify the calling party’s location.” Dispatchable locations are required for both static and non-static phone devices.
Why does RAY BAUM’s Act matter?
Today’s enterprise and campus environments consist of large, multi-story buildings with complex layouts. A first responder arriving at one of these buildings armed only with the main street address is unlikely to quickly find a 911 caller located in a 4th-floor conference room.
RAY BAUM’s Act establishes the “dispatchable location” concept for Interconnected VoIP services and other 911-capable services. This more precise location information is critical to achieving successful emergency outcomes for calls originating from multi-line telephone systems (MLTS).
