In 2019, the FCC mandated POTS lines to be decommissioned by August 2, 2022. Carriers encouraged consumers to switch their plans to avoid losing phone connections. It’s 2025 now, so you might be asking, what happened to the FCC POTS line shutdown?
The good news is that traditional lines are still in operation. However, they’re being phased out, with some carriers saying they’ll complete the switch by 2030. Here’s everything you need to know about this FCC mandate and how to prepare for it.
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Why Is the FCC Phasing Out POTS Lines?
For decades, phone lines were powered by copper lines, which are now unable to meet the demands of modern communication. These copper lines converted sound waves to analog signals and transmitted them over long distances. Fiber optic wires and wireless cellular networks are now preferred for transmitting digital signals with minimal loss and better clarity.
Maintaining the aging copper network is also costly and inefficient. Copper easily degrades, and fewer technicians today know how to maintain these copper lines. For this reason, network companies have appealed to the FCC to allow them to retire their copper network and transition subscribers to fiber or wireless networks.
Key Aspects of the FCC Mandate
The FCC mandate on POTS line replacement centers on modernizing telecommunications infrastructure. However, there has been plenty of misinformation about how this will happen. If you search “FCC mandate POTS lines,” you’ll likely see announcements that all POTS lines will disappear by August 2022.
Since POTS lines still exist today, this clearly isn’t true. It was merely a scare tactic to force consumers to switch immediately. So, what really happened?
In 2019, the FCC released Memorandum Order 19-72 in response to the 2018 US Telecom petition to grant telecom providers leniency in their obligations to provide affordable analog phone services.
This means phone companies aren’t required to keep old copper phone lines available for competitors. In the past, big phone companies (like AT&T or Verizon) were required to let smaller companies use their old copper phone lines cheaply. The FCC decided this rule was unnecessary because most people and businesses now use wireless or internet-based phones.
Big companies can now start shutting down or upgrading these old copper lines and stop selling discounting phone services for resale.
The FCC isn’t forcing phone companies to cut off service overnight. But because of this rule change, companies can now retire old copper lines at their own pace. They can also charge higher for using these legacy networks.
By removing outdated regulatory burdens, the FCC aims to incentivize carriers to invest in modern broadband infrastructure. The FCC POTS lines order acknowledges that maintaining legacy copper networks can divert resources from deploying advanced networks that offer consumers higher speeds and improved services.
Implications for Businesses and Consumers
Because of FCC Order 19 72A1, businesses and individual consumers now have to switch to digital alternatives. Several big companies have already announced their targets for fully decommissioning their copper services.
For instance, AT&T estimates it’ll complete the POTS line sunset by 2029. They are now actively replacing old equipment with new ones and have stopped onboarding new analog landline plans.
If your business or home still uses an old landline (especially for fax machines, security systems, or elevators), it’s a good idea to consider alternative options like VoIP, fiber, or wireless solutions before your provider phases out service.
Related Read: The UK Openreach Copper Switch Off
Switching to Digital Solutions: What Are Your Options?
With the FCC allowing telecom providers to retire old copper networks, here are your best options for switching to digital solutions:
1. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
This is the best option if you want the traditional phone experience but with modern features. You’ll use the internet to make and receive calls instead of copper lines.
VoIP lets you enjoy call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, video calling, and other advanced communication features. It works with desk phones, mobile apps, and computers.
Further reading: Discover VoIP Phone Systems for Small Businesses
2. Wireless LTE or 5G Solutions
This is ideal for businesses that need a reliable, wireless alternative to POTS lines. It uses cellular networks (LTE or 5G) instead of wired connections, making it perfect for remote locations, backup lines, and emergency systems.
Wireless LTE or 5G solutions can power voice services, fax machines, security systems, and even alarm panels, ensuring continuous connectivity without relying on traditional infrastructure.
3. Cloud-based PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems
A cloud-based PBX is the best option for businesses that need multiple phone lines and advanced call management. Instead of maintaining physical PBX hardware on-site, your phone system is hosted in the cloud and accessible from anywhere.
This solution provides features like auto-attendants, call routing, call analytics, CRM integrations, and scalability, making it ideal for remote and hybrid teams.
4. SIP trunking
Businesses with existing PBX systems that want to transition from POTS lines can use SIP trunking. Instead of using traditional phone lines, SIP trunks connect your PBX to the internet, allowing you to make and receive calls over IP networks.
This solution reduces costs, improves call quality, and supports high call volumes, making it a great option for enterprises and call centers. It also works well for faxing when using T.38 or G.711 protocols.
5. Cloud-based Fax
Cloud fax is the most reliable and future-proof alternative to traditional fax machines. Instead of requiring phone lines, cloud fax solutions let businesses send and receive faxes via email, web apps, or APIs.
This eliminates the need for fax hardware, reduces costs, and enhances security. Cloud faxing also supports regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, SOX, etc.) and integrates with business workflows like document management systems and CRMs.
With phone carriers implementing the FCC POTS line sunset, businesses must embrace digital alternatives to ensure seamless communication and compliance with modern infrastructure. Whether transitioning to VoIP, SIP trunking, or cloud-based fax solutions, adopting these technologies will future-proof operations and enhance efficiency.
For businesses that rely on faxing, cloud fax solutions like iFax provide a secure, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to traditional fax machines, ensuring uninterrupted service in the digital age.
