E911 REGULATIONS

RAY BAUM’s Act Compliance

Here’s everything you need to know about RAY BAUM’s Act, from FCC requirements to what that means for you.

Ray baum's act - public safety responder

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 utilizing multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to provide automated dispatchable location for all 911 calls.

Dispatchable location information provided to the public safety answering point (PSAP) includes a valid civic address, plus other information such as building, floor, suite, or room number “necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party.” Dispatchable locations are required for both fixed or static phone devices as well as non-fixed, dynamic or nomadic phone devices.

When did RAY BAUM’s Act go into effect?

The FCC’s new rules were published in the December 6, 2019 Federal Register. In accordance with the FCC’s order implementing RAY BAUM’S Act, the initial compliance dates for the Section 506 “dispatchable location” components of RAY BAUM’S Act can be found in the following table.

Service descriptionCompliance date
Fixed Multi-line Telephone Systems (MLTS)
Fixed Interconnected VoIP
Fixed Telephony
Fixed Telephone Relay Services (TRS)
January 6, 2021
Non-fixed Multi-line Telephone Systems (MLTS)
Non-fixed Interconnected VoIP
Non-fixed Telephone Relay Services (TRS)
January 6, 2022

Free E911 regulations checklist and guide

Learn the 6 steps to maintain compliance and protect users in Bandwidth’s Guide to New E911 Regulations!

Becoming RAY BAUM’s Act compliant with Bandwidth

Bandwidth’s E911 for VoIP and Unified Communications and E911 Dynamic Location Routing solutions are fully-consistent with RAY BAUM’s Act requirements for providing dispatchable location.

E911 for Voice and Unified Communications

Bandwidth’s E911 for VoIP and Unified Communications solution is designed for users with desktop and conference phones. You spend less time managing 911, less time wondering if your users are protected, and more time focused on your day job.

  • Supports RAY BAUM’s Act Fixed MLTS and Interconnected VoIP Services

E911 Dynamic Location Routing

E911 support for non-fixed devices requires sophisticated “dynamic” solutions that protect users who frequently move around the corporate network or from remote locations. This innovative option helps enterprises answer the essential question: where are my users at the time they make a 911 call?

  • Supports RAY BAUM’s Act Non-fixed MLTS and Interconnected VoIP Services

Industry Leadership

Bandwidth is an innovator in the emergency services ecosystem and consistently meets the highest level of adherence to public safety standards. On behalf of our customers, we are an active and vocal 911 and public safety advocate within both industry groups and at the FCC.

Want to learn more about RAY BAUM’s Act & what you need to do to be compliant?

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