What Is POTS? Plain Old Telephone Service Lines Explained

POTS, or plain old traditional telephone service, refers to the traditional telephone system used before mobile phones and VoIP services became widespread.

If you’re wondering what a POTS line is, here’s a simple guide on POTS line meaning, key terms, and uses.

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What Are POTS Lines?

What is a POTS phone line?

Plain old telephone service (POTS) is a traditional landline service powered by the public switched telephone network (PSTN). It works by sending analog audio signals through copper wires. If you’ve seen an old-school corded phone with a rotary dial or physical keys, that’s a POTS line.

POTS has been the type of phone used in homes and businesses since 1876 before the cellular phone and the Internet became popular. If you search for the meaning of POTS lines on Wikipedia, you’ll see that POTS originally stood for Post Office Telephone Service. This is because a POTS line used to be operated by local post offices.

By 1988, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Basic Rate Interface (I) revolutionized communication. This shift allowed simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Eventually, cellular phone services and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services followed.

Nevertheless, POTS lines remained a staple for communication but are currently in the process of being phased out as part of the copper switch off, with providers increasingly moving away from copper-based infrastructure towards more advanced digital technologies.

Check Out: Are POTS Lines Going Away?

How Does Plain Old Telephone Service Work

POTS sends voice signals through a complex network of copper wires, circuit switches, and local exchanges. The analog signals and circuit switch technology temporarily connect two telephones during a call.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Voice signals or sound waves are converted into electrical signals when you speak on the phone.
Electrical signals travel through copper wires or, in more modern phone systems, fiber optic cables to your local exchange. If the call is long-distance or international, the signal passes through multiple exchanges or trunk lines connecting different regions or countries.
The local exchange uses a switching system that identifies the number you dialed. It then establishes a dedicated circuit, connecting your phone with the recipient’s landline.
When the electrical signal reaches the recipient’s phone, it is converted back into sound waves.
The circuit remains open until one of the parties hangs up or ends the call.

Benefits of POTS Lines

POTS offers a few advantages over more advanced phone systems:

Works during blackouts: POTS lines are low voltage and powered by the telephone exchange. They don’t rely on electricity, enabling you to use POTS phones during a power outage.
Proven technology: Conventional wired phones have been operational for centuries, since the 1880s. It’s a trusted mode of communication with minimal downtime.
Simple to use: POTS is straightforward to operate once you have a phone set up in your home or business. You don’t need to download or upgrade the software.
Universally compatible: Old telephone service lines work with nearly every analog device, such as traditional phones, fax machines, and alarm systems.
Independent of Internet or cellular networks: Plain old telephone service (pots) uses its own infrastructure and doesn’t rely on the Internet, cellular towers, or Wi-Fi to make calls.
Private and dedicated connection: Each POTS call is connected via a dedicated circuit, making it immune to cyber threats.

The Relevance of POTS in the Digital Age

What is POTS’s relevance in telecommunication today? POTS’ might seem outdated, but its advantages still make it useful in certain cases:

Backup communication during emergencies

Plain old telephone service uses the power supply of the local exchange, unlike cellular or internet services. You don’t need to worry about being out of coverage or running out of battery. Businesses and primary institutions like banks and hospitals can rely on old POTS lines during emergencies, power outages, storms, or natural disasters.

Support for legacy systems

Some businesses still rely on legacy fax machines, security systems, alarms, and Point of Sale (POS) systems. These older systems and devices require wired landlines to work.

Communication in rural or underserved areas

Broadband or cellular coverage is usually spotty or nonexistent in rural or remote regions. In these areas, plain old telephone service lines remain the most reliable and accessible option. Moreover, using POTS is more practical than deploying advanced networks in areas with low population.

VoIP: The Best POTS Line Alternative for Business

POTS offers many advantages and relevant use cases today. However, modern businesses cannot rely solely on it. As communication technology advances, landline usage declines and will eventually be replaced by virtual and digital options. While POTS lines remain reliable in certain use cases, it would be a long shot to match the features, speed, scalability, and affordability of business VoIP options.

VoIP solutions offer several benefits:

Low-cost international and long-distance calls
Doesn’t require costly hardware and line rentals
Advanced features such as voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, and virtual numbers
Integration with productivity tools like electronic health record systems
Easy to add and remove phone lines
Make and receive calls anywhere with an internet connection
Unifies voice, video, messaging, VoIP fax, and collaboration tools

Given these benefits, modern businesses should consider investing in VoIP services. Those still transitioning to VoIP can keep plain old telephone service lines as backup communication or as part of a legacy system.

With the copper network shutdown and POTS lines going away, businesses relying on traditional voice and fax communication through analog signals will be significantly affected.

Switching to digital solutions will ensure continued operations, enhance workflow efficiency, and improve business scalability. iFax offers cloud-based communication solutions for businesses seeking modern alternatives to POTS lines.

Request a free demo.