Are POTS lines going away? Although some businesses may still rely on POTS lines for emergency services like elevator communications and alarm systems, demand for this outdated technology is shrinking. The end of governmental support and price increases for replacement equipment and service are two key reasons POTS lines are going away.
If your building has an elevator or alarm system that still relies on POTS lines, it’s a good time to investigate some new solutions. One option to deal with this potential problem is switching to a cellular elevator phone by ELEVATE Monitoring. Learn more about your potential options for dealing with the difficulties in maintaining copper phone lines in an elevator.
Reasons POTS Lines Are Going Away
POTS (plain old telephone service) lines are going away for several reasons, including:
- Companies have less desire to use analog POTS lines. Many already switched their main communications to more efficient digital technologies like Unified Communications and hosted PBX.
- The natural deterioration of the POTS lines, which have been in use for decades and continue to suffer disruptions from breakdowns.
- An inability to monitor the performance of the POTS lines. Telecom companies cannot anticipate breakdowns and monitor usage trends like they can with newer technologies.
Ultimately, a lack of support from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a crucial reason for POTS lines going away. The FCC now allows incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) to start phasing out analog POTS lines with a 180-day notification to customers. The ILECs often perform the switchover because of the higher costs associated with maintaining copper POTS lines.
Benefits of Eliminating POTS Lines Now
You certainly could attempt to keep your POTS lines in place and pay extra for replacement and repair as needed. However, a better option involves proactively replacing these lines. Key reasons to make the changeover sooner rather than later include the following:
- Match your timeline: By making the change now, you avoid having your carrier tell you that it’s ending support for POTS lines and that you must change on its schedule. You’ll be ahead of any announcement from your carrier in the telecom industry.
- Cost savings: Finding people who know how to repair and maintain POTS lines will become more difficult in the future. Such people will be in high demand, meaning you’ll almost certainly spend more on the work.
- Upgraded alternatives: Many alternatives to POTS lines provide significant technological upgrades. They may include video and text message capabilities, along with battery backup options. These upgrades also give you the features you need to satisfy the latest ASME Elevator Code requirements.
Understanding Your Options for Replacing POTS Lines
Are POTS lines going away? Undoubtedly, POTS lines in elevators will eventually no longer have repair and maintenance support options. To deal with the end of POTS lines, consider other types of emergency elevator phones. They also are highly reliable in case of an emergency. To learn more about your options for POTS replacement, contact ELEVATE Monitoring today at 877-990-9191.
