The Options for POTS Line Replacement

If your telephone system is outdated or too expensive, you may wonder whether to upgrade to a digital line. Unfortunately, POTS lines require a lot of maintenance and cost a lot of money. They also need a battery backup.

PoTS Lines are an Analog Telephone System.

The analog telephone system used in POTS lines differs from its digital counterpart. It uses copper wires. These wires are susceptible to noise and can cause interference when traveling long distances. Signals also tend to get weaker when traveling.

The technology used in POTS telephone lines converts the audio signal into electrical signals and sends it to a drop cable connected to a separate terminal. The electrical signals are then sent to the central telephone company office, where automated switches decode and route them to the appropriate destination. A POTS line may go through multiple central offices before it reaches its destination.

They are Becoming More Expensive.

With the rising cost of telecom infrastructure, POTS line replacement options have become increasingly expensive. Some lines are costing as much as $3,000 a month. As a result, modern enterprises need to evaluate their telecom strategy and find cost-effective solutions.

POTS line systems were designed with reliability before IP telephony, and the internet were introduced. As a result, an organization must determine which services rely on POTS, how many are connected to them, and what the impact would be if a service went down.

Another problem with POTS lines is that they require extensive copper wire connections, which are difficult to maintain. It may require professional help to install and maintain the line, which can be expensive. Furthermore, copper wires can break due to a storm or other damage. Fortunately, newer cellular or VoIP landline services are available that solve many of the problems associated with POTS lines.

They Require Battery Backup.

With battery backup, POTS lines can continue functioning during a power outage. In addition, some systems feature a second battery for added backup time. This backup technology is becoming increasingly common as the lifespan of copper-based POTS lines continues to decrease. The technology is also ideal for emergency and life safety services, such as elevator emergency lines and call boxes. First, however, you must ensure that the device you are installing includes battery backup. To ensure that your new system has a battery backup, check out the NFPA 72 code.

Simplify offers battery backup for POTS lines. It’s an add-on for its Connect series. These devices use the Simplifi Lines platform to provide ATA POTS replacement. Lastly, you should test the battery every once in routers.

They are Not Compatible with Vital Needs.

While most businesses have switched to digital communications, a POTS line can be costly and outdated. As a result, many businesses have begun looking for alternatives that are more affordable and compatible with their vital needs. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available to replace a POTS line.

Phone companies are phasing out POTS phone lines to meet FCC-mandated sunset dates. By 2022, major telephone providers plan to end support for POTS lines and increase their prices dramatically. According to the Federal Communications Commission, there are only 36 million active POTS lines in the U.S. as of 2017.

They are Expensive to Replace

A POTS or point-of-service telephone line is an old communication line. It uses copper, an incredibly expensive material to replace and maintain. Consequently, many carriers are trying to move away from this communication line. Fortunately, there are options available for companies that want to replace POTS lines with digital ones.

The first step to replacing a POTS phone line is determining how much you can afford to spend on the service. For most businesses, replacing a POTS phone line costs more than a PRI/digital one. Therefore, it is best to eliminate the phone line if you do not need it or have very low usage. Another option is to use a VoIP (VoIP) phone line.