Moving to VoIP?
How 911 works on a VoIP phone.
On a landline, 911 knows where you are. On VoIP it knows the address you registered — so getting that address right matters.
What happens when you dial 911
The call is routed to the local emergency dispatch center (the PSAP) along with your call-back number and the address registered for that phone. Dispatchers send help to that address — so if a phone moves to a different room, floor or building, its registered address has to change too. Callers should still be ready to confirm their name and location.
What the rules require
FCC rules require interconnected VoIP providers to support 911, including automatic call-back numbers and location information. Under Kari’s Law, multi-line phone systems must let anyone dial 911 directly, without a prefix like 9, and notify someone on site when a 911 call is made. Under RAY BAUM’S Act, the call must carry a dispatchable location — for large buildings and campuses, that can mean the floor or room, not just the street address.
What to check
- Every phone and softphone has the right registered address
- Staff can dial 911 directly, with no prefix
- Someone on site is notified when 911 is called
- Remote workers update their address when they move
What’s next
Next Generation 911 is replacing the old emergency networks with IP-based ones that can carry more precise location data, and eventually text, photos and video. The providers we work with support today’s requirements; ask us about yours.