On Dec. 14, 2021, MSU IT began a rolling update of all softphone applications, such as Avaya Workplace, Avaya Equinox, Avaya Agent for Desktop (AAfD), and Avaya AACC to comply with a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 911 requirement that went into effect Jan. 6, 2022.
The updates only affected non-cellular devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablets that utilize a softphone application to connect to or make calls from a university telephone number, for work or personal devices.
Once the update is complete on a device, users can launch the Sentry Gatekeeper or reboot their device to update their location:
- If prompted, place a check in all boxes to allow on all networks
- Click Sign in with Azure AD Credentials and enter you MSU NetID and password
- Fill in only your ELIN number (1+10-digit campus number)
- Provide/select your location
As part of the FCC requirement, users will be prompted to log in with their NetID and location any time logging in from a new physical location.
Location information obtained via the application will only be made available to emergency services and will not be collected by the university.
The FCC’s new requirement, a portion of the Ray Baum Act, is being put in place to ensure that “dispatchable location” is conveyed with 911 calls to dispatch centers. Emergency calls made from cellular devices include a dispatchable location, and do not require this update.
More information on the FCC requirements can be found by visiting www.fcc.gov/mlts-911-requirements.
