Business phone systems have changed dramatically over the years, and so have the requirements surrounding emergency calling. Two important federal measures—Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’S Act—help ensure that people using modern multi-line phone systems can quickly reach 911 and that emergency responders receive useful information about where the caller is located.

Kari’s Law generally requires applicable multi-line telephone systems to allow users to dial 911 directly, without first dialing a prefix such as “9” to reach an outside line. It also includes notification requirements so designated personnel can be alerted when a 911 call is placed.

RAY BAUM’S Act addresses another critical part of emergency calling: location information. For applicable systems and services, 911 calls need to provide a “dispatchable location”—information intended to help emergency responders locate the caller, which can include details such as a building, floor, suite, room, or similar information when appropriate.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If your company is installing a new business phone system or updating its communications service, emergency calling should be part of the conversation—not an afterthought.

At Link Business Communications, we take these requirements into consideration when designing and installing modern business phone systems and VoIP service. Proper configuration can help provide direct 911 dialing, appropriate emergency-call notifications, and accurate location information based on the customer's environment and applicable requirements.

Older phone systems, legacy lines, and outdated configurations may not offer the capabilities businesses expect from today's communications technology. And even when an older system continues to work, maintaining it can become increasingly expensive as equipment ages and service options disappear.

If your current phone technology is becoming outdated, too costly, or simply stale, it may be a good time to have a conversation.

Link Business Communications can review your existing setup, discuss how current emergency-calling requirements may apply, and show you what a modern phone system and service could look like for your organization.

There’s no pressure to make a change. Sometimes the answer is that your existing setup is doing exactly what you need. Other times, there may be an opportunity to improve reliability, features, emergency calling capabilities, and monthly costs.

Let’s have a conversation about your current phone system and whether it still makes sense for your business.