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.
Why is RAY BAUM’s Act important?
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 concept of “dispatchable location” for Interconnected VoIP services and other 911-capable services. This more precise location information is critical to achieving successful emergency outcomes for calls that originate from multi-line telephone systems (MLTS).