For decades, POTS (plain old telephone service) has been the backbone of communication. However, rising costs, inefficient maintenance, and demand for newer technology signal the end of POTS lines.
With POTS lines going away, what can you do? Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
Why Are POTS Lines Going Away
POTS uses outdated copper phone lines, which have been around for over 100 years and are costly and inefficient to maintain. These copper wires have limited ability to support multiple voice and data applications. As consumers demand efficient and flexible connections, telecom carriers need new and better infrastructure that can provide faster and clearer signals.
The FCC also issued a memorandum that relieved telephone companies from offering discounted analog phone bundles and renewing legacy services. This encouraged carriers to carry out their plans to end POTS lines.
Another reason for the POTS line sunset is the lack of monitoring abilities. Digital solutions are easier to monitor and manage than the physical infrastructure POTS uses. The copper lines that power POTS are also prone to natural disasters, moisture, and theft.
Related Read: What Impact Will the Copper Switch Off Have on Businesses?
Who Will Be Impacted the Most?
While most consumers don’t use traditional landlines today, POTS still play an important role in other specialized and critical services such as fax, alarm systems, elevators, POS, and medical alert devices.
Here’s a breakdown of affected institutions and individuals:
- Businesses using legacy systems for fire alarms, security monitoring, elevator emergency communication, and point-of-sale (POS)
- Healthcare facilities using POTS for emergency call buttons and medical monitoring devices
- Police and fire departments that rely on POTS lines for emergency dispatch and traffic light control
- Educational institutions where POTS power alarm systems, intercoms, and backup communication systems
- Remote areas where internet connectivity is limited, and POTS lines remain the backbone of communication
- Small businesses that haven’t transitioned to digital solutions due to cost or lack of expertise
- Elderly individuals who use POTS lines for emergency alert systems and medical devices like pacemaker monitoring
If you still rely on POTS for critical functions, it’s time to transition to modern solutions like VoIP phones or cellular-based systems. Most carriers offer bundled or discounted plans and installation assistance.
Explore More: AT&T Copper Retirement
Steps to Prepare for the Transition from POTS Lines
With careful planning and preparation, you can ensure a smooth transition as analog phone lines disappear. The following steps will help you avoid unwanted disruptions:
1. Audit current systems and assess dependencies
Identify all existing systems and determine which ones are still using POTS lines. Check your fire alarms, security systems, elevator phones, POS systems, fax machines, and medical devices. Determine how frequently you use these systems and how critical they are to daily operations. Prioritize the ones that need immediate replacement.
Outline your transition plan by creating a phased timeline that minimizes downtimes. Create a budget and build a business case for the cost savings and productivity gains of replacing these outdated systems.
2. Research and choose a replacement technology
Multiple alternatives to POTS lines are currently available in the market. Evaluate their differences and choose the one that offers your business the best value.
- VoIP (Voice Over IP Protocol): This is ideal for phones and general communications. It uses internet connectivity for calls, so you need high-speed internet to support VoIP.
- Cellular backup: Most suitable for fire systems and security monitoring since it works even during internet outages.
- UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service): Offers an all-in-one solution that combines voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools in one platform.
- Cable-based services: Uses cable connections to deliver voice calls and is offered by TV and internet providers.
- Satellite phone services: Works for remote areas where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.
3. Engage vendors and providers
Consult telecom providers and check if your current provider offers digital alternatives or bundled solutions. You’d be surprised that most providers offer competitive bundles and even incentivize the switch.
When it comes to equipment, ensure that replacements meet regulatory standards. Test the new systems to ensure compatibility and ease of use.
4. Test infrastructure readiness
Before fully deploying your new systems, ensure you have sufficient internet bandwidth to cater to the simultaneous demands for VoIP and other digital solutions. Install UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) or backup generators to keep systems operational during outages.
It’s also critical to secure new systems against cyber threats. One of the best ways to do this is to train employees on how to use new communication systems and establish security protocols.
Do a pilot test by transitioning one department first to identify potential issues. Then, test each system after installation to ensure it’s operating properly.
5. Monitor and optimize regularly
It’s normal for new systems to encounter hiccups when they’re first deployed. Monitor their performance closely to address any issues or inefficiencies promptly. You should also ensure these systems comply with all local, state, and federal regulations, such as fire and safety codes.
How iFax Simplifies the Transition
Traditional faxing, which relies on analog fax machines, is one of the systems heavily impacted by the phase-out of POTS lines. Fortunately, digital faxing is a secure and reliable alternative.
iFax is a leading digital fax provider that offers safe and compliant faxing solutions. Its user-friendly dashboard allows you to send, receive, and manage faxes using an existing or new fax number.
You can also enjoy advanced faxing features such as fax OCR, electronic signing, fax broadcasting, and fax forwarding. With its robust integrations and developer APIs, iFax allows faxing within existing systems, such as a CRM, accounting, or EHR platform.
If you need to fax on the go, you can download dedicated mobile apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. You can also send a fax directly from your email provider.
Check out iFax with a free demo today.
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