VoIP Resellers, E911 and Kari's Law

On February 16, 2020, a new 911 calling regulation named Kari's Law went into effect. It requires that multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) - like those used in schools, hotels, warehouses, and offices - support certain features designed to make 911 calling safer and more effective for its users.

There are two major components to this regulation:

1. Users must be able to dial “911” directly, without the need to dial a prefix like “9” for an outside line.
2. The system must be able to notify a designated contact, like the front desk or a security office, when a 911 call is made.

Manufacturers, vendors, installers, managers and operators of these systems must ensure that any system sold, leased, or installed on or after 02-17-2020 supports these functions to be compliant.

For hosted Hosted PBX Providers and Resellers, it's absolutely critical to understand the requirements of this law.

Why Are There New E911 Regulations?

As with most new regulations, these new E911 requirements are being put into effect due to tragedy. In a Texas motel room in 2013, Kari Hunt tragically died when her 9-year-old daughter tried to call 911 from the motel room phone. But the girl did not know that the system required a ‘9’ prefix to dial out, and the call never went through. 

Does Kari’s Law Apply To Older Systems?

The short answer is no. Compliance with Kari's Law only applies to multi-line systems manufactured, imported, sold, leased, or installed on or after 02-17-2020.  However, we recommend that installers performing upgrades to existing systems strongly consider helping their customers become compliant. Their users and any guests may need to access 911 emergency services at some point. 

Is RAY BAUM'S Act Related To Kari’s Law?

Kind of. The RAY BAUM’S Act is a measure to improve the dispatchable location information that is associated with emergency calls from multi-line telephone systems. Dispatchable location means the location delivered to the public-safety answering point (PSAP), comprised of the validated street address and any additional information like suite or apartment number. RAY BAUM'S Act applies to all MLTS that are manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, first sold or leased, or installed after February 16, 2020.

What Does This All This Mean For Hosted PBX Providers and Resellers?

The new E911 regulations could be great news for service providers offering cloud-based communications services. At least for those operating a compliant multi-tenant Hosted PBX platform. Hosted PBX services easily replace outdated legacy PBX hardware which are likely not compliant with the new law. Further, Hosted PBX solutions provide powerful VoIP features and cost savings that legacy PBXs can’t match. These are major selling points to win new business customers and break into new markets.

However, providers, resellers and installers of legacy or non-911-compliant systems need to find alternative partners or hosted PBX platforms to remain compliant.

 Steps To Maintain Compliance

• Review the FCC's page on Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S ACT to understand your requirements.
• Verify end users can direct dial 911 without needing to dial an access code.
• Check that your user endpoint locations are accurately mapped
  • This includes address, building, floor, and suite or room number.
• Test 911 (with your PSAPs permission) across all endpoints.
  • Don’t forget about virtual and satellite workers.
• Ensure notifications are set up.

How RingLogix Can Help

RingLogix offers a white-label and multi-tenant VoIP reseller platform that is fully compliant with Kari's Law. Partners can activate, install, manage, bill and support a range of VoIP solutions from SIP Trunking to Hosted PBX and advanced Call Center systems.

E911 management is completely self-service with branded online portals for both partners and their customers.

Some of the unique 911 features RingLogix offers include:

1. “933” dialing for E911 caller ID and registration checks. Installers and Users can dial 933 at any time to check the caller ID sent on 911 calls and whether that caller ID has a registered e911 address.
2. Multi E911 caller ID and registration support for customers with multiple locations or remote workers.
3. Voice messages to other system users and off-net numbers – like a security cell phone - as well as email-based notifications whenever a 911 call is placed.

If you would like to learn more about how RingLogix can help you remain compliant with Kari’s Law and improve the safety of your users, request a free demo of our platform and see how it works.