November 2019 Summaries

Text messaging has become a popular channel for businesses to reach customers, but obtaining express written permission from consumers is crucial before sending promotional texts. To get customers to opt-in and receive messages, make the content valuable, be transparent about the frequency of messages, and ensure easy opt-in and out processes. Businesses should also consult with experts to navigate challenges and stay compliant with regulations.

Determining precise location of 911 callers remains a challenge, especially for wireless calls. The concept of "dispatchable location" is crucial in emergency response but can be difficult to pinpoint from mobile devices. IoT and over-the-top smartphone applications offer potential solutions by embedding emergency calling into everyday apps and devices, providing more context and information for public safety. VoIP 911 location accuracy is slightly better than wireless but requires careful planning and consideration of both during emergencies.

Attending trade shows like Microsoft Ignite can be both rewarding and exhausting, as they provide opportunities to engage with prospects and customers while also presenting challenges such as long hours. At the Bandwidth booth, several key conversational themes emerged among participants, particularly regarding the complexities of managing telephony systems. Many organizations are contemplating the transition to cloud-based telephony with Microsoft Teams, yet face hurdles such as phone number porting and choosing between Microsoft Calling Plan and Direct Routing. There is also interest in SBC-as-a-Service from both small and large enterprises due to its potential for scalability and cost reduction. Additionally, ensuring compliance with new federal E911 regulations is a priority for companies before fully moving to cloud solutions. Outside of IT discussions, Bandwidth's distinctive sparkly jackets captured attention, dispelling stereotypes about tech professionals' fashion preferences.

The author, after taking a 10-year career break to raise her family, faced challenges in rejoining the workforce due to the stigma attached to being a stay at home parent and a decade-long employment gap. She discovered Returnships or Return to Work programs that some companies offer for mid-career individuals who have taken a career pause. Bandwidth, one such company, hired her as part of their pilot program. The company's Whole Person Promise approach towards employee wellbeing impressed the author. Despite challenges in learning an entirely new industry and adapting to new software platforms, she found success due to supportive co-workers. After two months, she was offered a permanent position at Bandwidth. She advises others returning to work after a career break to sharpen their skills and recognize their worth based on their life experiences. The author is now completing her first year with Bandwidth and looks forward to the company's expansion of its Returnship Program.

On February 16, 2020, a new federal ruling called Kari's Law comes into effect for enterprises with multi-line telephone systems (MLTS). The law requires the elimination of prefix digits when calling 911 and notification of designated personnel when a 911 call is placed. Additionally, Section 506 of RAY BAUM’s Act has been adopted by the FCC to improve dispatchable location information for first responders. Enterprises should consult with legal teams, plan proactively for employee safety, map user endpoint locations, and test 911 across endpoints to prepare for these new E911 regulations.

Bandwidth's emergency solutions offer precise location information, unlike wireless 911 calls that may display a cell tower location far from the actual call location. These solutions provide dispatchable addresses to public safety, enabling faster response times. Additionally, Bandwidth's services allow applications to initiate 911 calls without using the device's native dialer, ensuring accurate routing and location information for emergency calls.