POTS Line Replacement: It's Time

Imagine your business grinds to a halt because your trusty old phone line goes down. Customer orders can’t be processed, alarm systems malfunction and critical communications are disrupted. This nightmare scenario is becoming increasingly common as the aging copper phone lines that power “plain old phone service” (POTS) reach the end of their lifespan.

UPDATE September 22, 2025:

AT&T has announced that after October 15, 2025, customers will no longer be able to move, add, or make changes to existing POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) landlines. This means that if you move offices, you won't be able to transfer your phone line to your new location (or make any physical changes to your lines) or purchase new lines. Given this impending cutoff, it's crucial to start planning your transition to a replacement solution as soon as possible. 

This change increases the urgency of migrating your POTS lines to prevent disruptions to your communication services. To help you move forward before the deadline, we recommend starting the process at least 10 business days in advance.

POTS relies on copper wires—think of them as the old, creaky pipes of the communication world. Just as old pipes can leak and rust, copper wires are prone to damage and outages, leading to costly downtime and frustrating disruptions.

The End of an Era: The FCC's Deregulation of Copper Lines

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2019 deregulation of copper lines has accelerated the demise of POTS. Telecommunication providers are no longer under the same obligations as they were for decades, leading to soaring costs and decreased reliability for businesses still reliant on these systems. Some companies are already paying as much as $1,300 for a single POTS line, making it clear that the time for modernization has arrived.

Safety and Security Systems in the Digital Age

Many things depend on POTS lines, such as fax machines, point-of-sale terminals, and ATMs. But many don’t realize that their most critical systems, like fire and burglar alarms, elevator rescue phones, and security systems, were designed around POTS connections.

When POTS lines were state of the art, they brought many advantages. That was well before wireless communications became ubiquitous and long before the internet. Technology has moved on. Connectivity is now a given for nearly every device we use, and there are modern alternatives that offer superior functionality.

Modern Alternatives for Legacy Systems

• Voice over IP (VoIP)
  VoIP technology converts analog voice signals into digital data, allowing calls to be made over the internet instead of traditional copper lines. This reduces costs, particularly for long-distance and international calls, and enables advanced features like video conferencing and real-time collaboration tools. These benefits are why, as of June 2022, VoIP is used for 71% of business telephony (source: FCC.gov, Voice Telephone Services Status, 2023).
• Specialized POTS replacement appliances
  Fusion Connect uses enterprise-grade cellular routers and IP appliances that directly replace wireless POTS lines for your most critical systems. These all-in-one devices support fire panels, elevator phones, burglar alarms, analog modem data, and more while also ensuring full E-911 access. They include wired connectivity, support multiple 5G cellular data connections and location services, and come with long-duration battery backup.
• Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs)
  For less demanding applications, ATAs convert analog signals from legacy equipment, such as fax machines or older phones, into digital signals compatible with modern VoIP systems. This allows businesses to keep using legacy hardware while benefiting from digital connectivity.

Why Modernize? The Benefits of Replacing POTS

Moving away from POTS lines isn’t just about avoiding rising costs—it’s an opportunity to enhance your business’s communication systems and future-proof your infrastructure. Here’s why making the switch is worth it:

• Cost Savings
  VoIP and other digital solutions significantly reduce communication costs, especially for long-distance and international calls. You’ll also eliminate the expense of maintaining outdated copper infrastructure, which can require frequent repairs.
• Scalability and Flexibility
  Modern systems can easily adapt to your business’s changing needs. Whether you’re expanding your workforce or adopting new communication tools, digital solutions offer seamless integration with your current operations and the ability to scale as you grow.
• Improved Reliability
  Say "goodbye" to frustrating outages and downtime. Unlike aging copper lines, cloud-based and IP-based communication systems are designed for superior reliability, with built-in redundancy and failover systems ensuring that your critical systems stay connected even during disruptions.
• Enhanced Features
  Modern communication systems come loaded with advanced features that boost productivity and collaboration. With capabilities like video conferencing, unified messaging, and mobile integration, your team can work efficiently from anywhere.
• Compliance and Security
  Fusion Connect’s POTS replacement solutions meet or exceed critical regulatory standards, such as NFPA 72 for fire alarms, HIPAA for healthcare data security, and PCI-DSS for secure payment systems. This ensures your business remains compliant while benefiting from the performance and flexibility of digital solutions.

The POTS Replacement Process

A Seamless Transition with Fusion Connect

Replacing your POTS lines might seem daunting, but Fusion Connect simplifies the process with a structured, five-step approach designed to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition.

Step 1 - Assessment:

We start with a quick conversation to understand your business’s unique needs and assess any legacy systems still dependent on POTS.

Step 2 - Design Spec:

After collecting that information, we design a solution and arrange a meeting with our experts to review our recommendations.

Step 3 - Site Survey:

Our technicians visit your locations to identify the exact location of the equipment and install the replacement hardware. Then, we develop a migration plan for each location that minimizes any disruptions to your business.

Step 4 - Activation:

The final step in your migration is to activate the solution. We integrate the device with your network, conduct thorough testing, and you're live!

Ongoing - Monitoring:

After installation Fusion Connect continuously monitors your devices to ensure they are up and running.

Embrace the Future of Business Communication

The telecommunications landscape is rapidly evolving. By transitioning to modern communication systems, you can reduce costs, enhance reliability, and access a range of advanced features designed to streamline your operations so you can focus on your business.

Don't let outdated technology become a drag on your business. Embrace the future of communication and experience the benefits of a modern, reliable, and cost-effective system. Contact Fusion Connect today and start your journey toward a more connected and successful future.