News You Can Use: Maryland Counties increase 911 Fee

Local Maryland counties focus on the continued reliability and effectiveness of emergency 911 communication services across the state.

For example, Dorchester and Montgomery Counties have recently enacted or proposed increases to their local 911 emergency telephone fees. These changes are aimed at addressing operational funding gaps, infrastructure upgrades, and the rising costs of emergency communications.

• Dorchester County - The Dorchester County Council enacted Bill No. 2025-3, raising the county’s 911 fee to $4.25 per month per line. This increase will take effect on July 1, 2025. 

• Montgomery County - The County Executive has proposed raising the county’s 911 fee from $0.75 to $1.47 per subscriber phone line to close a a 911 funding gap - annual system expenditures are projected at $25.5 million, while FY24 collections were only $13 million. The new fee, if adopted, would be effective July 1, 2025.

We’ll continue to keep you informed about emerging Voice and IT news. 

Schedule time with our local experts to discuss your business communications and technology plans. Contact CTS today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Stay Vigilant! Maryland Health System gets hit with Ransomware

Frederick Health, one of Maryland’s largest healthcare providers, became another high-profile victim of a ransomware attack that disrupted operations and compromised the sensitive data of nearly one million patients. 

Attackers infiltrated the network in late January 2025, exfiltrating files that included patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical record numbers, health insurance details, and clinical information related to care. 

This incident is a stark reminder for business decision makers - cybersecurity is not optional. 

Healthcare organizations are prime targets due to the value and permanence of medical records, but every industry faces similar threats as cybercriminals grow more sophisticated. A single breach can result in significant financial, reputational, and legal consequences.

Robust cybersecurity measures, including regular risk assessments, employee training, and incident response planning, are essential. 

Secure your organization's future

Don't let communication disruptions threaten your business. Protect your organization’s data, reputation, and customers by making cybersecurity a top priority today.

Contact CTS today to learn how we help our healthcare clients maintain HIPAA compliance and safeguard their Voice and UC services.

Call 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

RingCentral AI Receptionist… Your Always-on, Reliable Front Desk 

Let's talk about an amazing receptionist solution that can handle your business calls 24/7. 

Ring's AI Receptionist uses advanced AI to understand and route calls instantly, eliminating the need for a traditional attendant while ensuring no business opportunity is missed. 

The AI Receptionist is built directly into your RingCentral phone system, making deployment effortless. It takes minutes to set up, and it works with no extra apps required.

AI Receptionist provides businesses with an AI agent that:

• Answers calls instantly and engages in natural conversations.
• Handles routine inquiries without requiring human intervention.
• Intelligently routes complex calls to the right person based on names and context.
• Schedules appointments and follows up via SMS.

Never miss a call, never miss an opportunity – and save on call answering costs

• 24/7 call answering and routing without hiring additional staff.
• Convert after-hours callers into customers instead of losing them to competitors.
• Reduce operational costs compared to human receptionists or an answering service.
• Instant response to every caller means no lost business opportunities.
• Scales automatically during unexpected call volume spikes.

Try calling our tester AI Receptionist Demo number: 844-919-6301

Check out our online video demo here



Reach out to CTS - your local RingCentral Gold Partner team at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Why Local Decision Makers Choose CTS-Powered Beacon Cloud Voice

CTS has served the Mid-Atlantic for four decades, providing complete voice, data, and video solutions for both private and public sector clients. 

Beacon, a division of CTS, delivers seamless cloud-based communications, offering local businesses tailored solutions, competitive pricing, and exceptional support.

Beacon Cloud Voice stands out for its customer service. During installation, CTS provides on-site technicians and project managers to ensure a smooth launch. Ongoing support is just a phone call away, and many satisfied clients can attest to our affordable pricing, and our outstanding service and support.

Key Advantages of Beacon Cloud Voice:

• Lower costs and no busy signals

• Full portability and mobility

• Effortless scalability for growing or seasonal businesses

• Advanced features for teams of all sizes, such as voicemail to email, remote call management, and auto attendant

• Superior voice quality and seamless multitasking

• Flexible solutions with 24/7/365 service and local onsite support

Beacon simplifies communications with:

• A mobile app and desktop phones featuring vibrant displays

• An advanced web portal for users and administrators

• Networking experts available for Wi-Fi and cabling needs

• Online management and automatic upgrades for ongoing performance and savings

Beacon Cloud Voice is designed to make business communications easy, reliable, and cost-effective with white-glove delivery, setup, and support. To get started, contact CTS at 443.577.1733 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Boost Productivity and Safeguard Privacy with Office Sound Masking

In today’s fast-paced workplaces, balancing productivity and privacy is essential. Many CTS clients rely on sound masking as an effective solution.

Enhance Focus and Comfort

Sound masking uses gentle background noise to block distractions, helping employees concentrate and reducing stress. This leads to higher productivity and greater job satisfaction.

Protect Sensitive Information

Sound masking also shields private conversations, making speech less intelligible to unintended listeners. This protects confidential data-like employee details and business strategies-from being overheard.

Drive Business Results

By reducing distractions and enhancing privacy, sound masking boosts efficiency and delivers real cost savings.

Ready to create a focused, confidential workspace? Contact CTS at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

We appreciate your referrals… Send us yours and receive $250 for more Summer Fun!

We appreciate your partnership and support.

Know someone grappling with their Remote or Hybrid Workforce? Moving or looking for a new phone system? A friend who needs faster Wi-Fi or broadband? A business partner who wants to add Video Meeting tools?

Tell us about it... Just mention the "Newsletter Referral Program" when you contact us – we'll take care of the rest. CTS rewards you with $250 when we get their business. And there's no paperwork hassle or hoops to jump through.

Contact us with your sales tip at: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

CTS Highlights

40+ Years

24 x 7 x 365 Service

One Stop Shop

Rapid Response

5,000+ Customers

Need Support

Online Service Request

Contact us today!

800.787.4848

410.850.4848

301.621.1213

CTSmd.us