Introduction to E911 Regulations
Skyetel is committed to staying informed about changes to 911 regulations in the United States and consistently updates our clients as new information becomes available. The Enhanced 911 (E911) system is critical for public safety, ensuring that emergency services can locate and assist those in distress quickly and efficiently. As regulations evolve, it is crucial for organizations to comply with state-specific E911 requirements to protect employees, students, and visitors.
Overview of State E911 Legislation
As of now, 24 U.S. states have enacted or are considering E911 legislation. These laws often require organizations over a certain size or those purchasing a new Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system to implement E911 capabilities. In May 2016, the Response Act of 2016 was proposed, mandating that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establish rules within 18 months to ensure the transmission of call location information with Multi-Line Telephone System (MLTS) 911 calls.
Importance of E911 Solutions
Implementing the right E911 solution is vital for saving lives, reducing legal liabilities, and ensuring compliance with state and local regulations. Below are summaries of relevant state legislation and regulations pertaining to E911. These summaries serve informational purposes and should not be considered official legal documents.
State-Specific E911 Requirements
Alaska
Proposed regulations require MLTS to integrate Enhanced 911 (E911) capabilities, which include Automatic Location Identification (ALI) and Automatic Number Identification (ANI) that provide at least the building and floor location of the caller.
Arkansas
Companies providing exchange telephone services must ensure that any 911 call routes to a public safety answering point (PSAP) equipped for E911 service, transmitting the caller's telephone number and street address.
California
Proposed legislation mandates every telephone service provider, including competitive local exchange carriers and MLTS, to offer E911 services with automatic routing, ANI, and ALI.
Colorado
MLTS operators must furnish written guidelines on the proper method of dialing 911. If ANI and ALI are not provided, this must be disclosed in writing, and callers are instructed to give their telephone number and exact location during emergencies.
Connecticut
911 calls cannot be obstructed but can be directed to an on-site security answering point. Proposed regulations would require shared MLTS serving residential customers to ensure connectivity to the public switch, allowing distinct ANI and ALI for business locations and hotels.
Florida
Starting July 1, 2003, any PBX system installed after January 1, 2004, must provide ALI down to the station level.
Illinois
Post-June 30, 2000, entities installing or operating private business switch services must ensure connectivity to the public switched network, facilitating calls to 911 with ANI and ALI.
#### Chicago (Illinois)
All private streets on a campus or complex must be named, with buildings and structures identified uniquely. The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) recommended abbreviations for street thoroughfares should be used.
Kentucky
Effective July 15, 1998, residential private switch telephone service providers must ensure their systems provide updated telephone numbers and physical locations for each 911 call.
Louisiana
Since January 1, 2005, all newly installed PBX systems must be capable of transmitting ALI to the station level.
Maine
Privately owned or leased telephone systems must provide the same level of enhanced 911 services as others, including ANI signaling, station identification data, and updates to E911 databases.
Maryland
A law enacted in May 2015 requires any organization operating an MLTS to ensure direct 911 dialing, without needing any additional numbers.
Massachusetts
From July 1, 2009, new or substantially renovated MLTS, including Centrex, PBX, and hybrid systems, must offer the same level of E911 service as provided to others, covering a wide range of facilities such as businesses, residences, and educational institutions.
Michigan
By December 31, 2016, providers of private switch equipment or services must ensure their systems provide ANI and ALI for outgoing 911 calls, with specified location identification requirements.
Minnesota
Any PBX system purchased post-December 31, 2004, must maintain the ability to provide a callback number and emergency response location for every 911 call from private businesses, hotels, residential units, and educational institutions.
Mississippi
Service providers must enable access to PSAPs when dialing 911 where feasible. Entities operating "shared tenant services" must provide telephone number location information for each 911 call, and cellular operators must include "cellular" in their listings for 911 calls.
Nebraska
Although specific MLTS details are not listed, there is a proposal for statewide 911 enhancements by 2010.
Ohio
A bill introduced in April 2016 requires direct 911 access from MLTS.
#### Pennsylvania
MLTS owners/operators must ensure 911 calls provide ALI for each emergency response location (ERL), with a minimum of one per building or floor, as per a bill passed in June 2015.
Texas
Senate Bill 788, signed into law in May 2015, mandates direct 911 dial access from all MLTS. In Tarrant County, service suppliers must provide subscriber phone numbers and associated addresses for each call.
Utah
Certain MLTS must provide location-related information for 911 calls. Address updates are required when an MLTS's database changes.
Vermont
Privately owned telephone systems must offer the same level of 911 services as others in the area, including ANI signaling and station identification data.
Virginia
All MLTS providers must maintain ANI and ALI to the local PSAP for 911 calls for systems installed after July 1, 2009.
Washington
Businesses occupying 25,000 sq ft, multiple floors, or multiple buildings must have ALI format for 911 calls.
Wisconsin
A proposed bill requires MLTS owners to provide location and callback information to the appropriate PSAP when a 911 call is made.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with E911 regulations is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility to ensure the safety and security of individuals in emergency situations. Organizations must keep abreast of state-specific requirements and take necessary actions to implement and maintain effective E911 solutions.
