E911 is becoming a critical issue for more and more organizations, especially as California and Michigan consider joining 16 other states in implementing E911 legislation that imposes specific requirements on organizations with multi-line telephone systems (MLTS).
Though the proposed regulations differ somewhat, the effect is the same: organizations using MLTS must be able to deliver granular location information to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) when a user anywhere on their network dials 911.
To meet these types of regulations, some organizations using MLTS implement the local exchange carrier’s 911 solution (i.e. PS-ALI with local trunks). In a PS-ALI solution, an organization uploads 10-digit DIDs (emergency location identification numbers or ELINs) and associated specific geographic zones at the organization (emergency response locations or ERLs), into regional ALI databases. This allows a PSAP to retrieve a 911 caller’s accurate location during a 911 call.
PS-ALI solutions are efficient and effective for organizations with a high density of users in a single location. However, organizations with locations spread across multiple PSAP jurisdictions must procure and manage local trunks, 911 gateways, and PS-ALI accounts for each location, and cannot support remote workers. Additionally, ALI data can take up to 48 hours to update in regional PS-ALI databases, exposing organizations to increased liability risk.
To address this problem, VoIP Positioning Center (VPC) solutions have emerged. VPC solutions – such as 911 Enable’s Emergency Routing Service (ERS) – deliver 911 calls and precise caller-location information to the PSAP serving the caller’s geographic area. Connectivity to the ERS is established via a SIP or PSTN connection, eliminating the need for local trunks and gateways at every location and enabling support for remote users.
VPC solutions are ideally suited to organizations with locations spanning multiple PSAP jurisdictions that want to eliminate the need for ELINs, or have work-at-home users or teleworkers. Additionally, 911 Enable’s ERS has a single national ALI database that can be updated in real time, ensuring E911 location information is always accurate and up-to-date.
Implementing the ERS allows organizations using ShoreTel to meet state E911 legislation and take advantage of advanced unified communications features without putting users at risk.
Learn more about E911 solutions for ShoreTel, including an E911 appliance that can automate E911 management tasks and learn more about the proposed Michigan and California state E911 legislation.
Elinor Johansen is the communications manager at 911 Enable. A division of Connexon Telecom, 911 Enable is the exclusive provider of E911 solutions for ShoreTel. Its innovative products and services include an E911 call routing service, an automatic IP phone discovery appliance, and an unparalleled suite of on-site security desk notification capabilities.
Some of the individuals posting to this site, including the moderators, work for ShoreTel, Inc. Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the personal opinions of the original authors, not of ShoreTel. The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be an endorsement or representation by ShoreTel or any other party.
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