The end of a reliable but outdated technology
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) refers to the traditional analog phone system that runs over copper lines and has powered voice calls, fax machines, and modems for decades. Known for its reliability, POTS has been a trusted communication method for generations. But as technology advances, this aging infrastructure can no longer meet modern demands.
Major telecom carriers have stopped investing in their POTS infrastructure, with many actively retiring copper lines altogether. As a result, businesses still relying on analog services are facing rising maintenance costs, limited support, and increasing pressure to transition to modern, IP-based alternatives.
As organizations plan their transition away from POTS, many have questions about what comes next—this article answers the 6 most common concerns about replacing analog phone lines.
What questions are organizations asking about migrating from POTS?
Businesses and public entities alike have started replacing their POTS lines—either through internal teams or by outsourcing the transition to a contractor. Regardless of the approach, many questions often arise throughout the process. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions about migrating from analog lines.
1. When are providers planning to discontinue these services?
Carriers have already begun gradually phasing out POTS lines. They are expected to be fully discontinued by 2030 in Europe and by 2027 in the United States.
2. Is my infrastructure ready to migrate from POTS to a newer solution?
To answer this question, you need to conduct an audit to assess bandwidth, network equipment, and security systems. This analysis can be carried out internally, or it can be outsourced to a service provider.
3. What is the best alternative to POTS?
- The answer depends on your organization’s specific needs and existing infrastructure. To replace systems that require 24/7 uptime as well as compliance with regulations, POTS-in-a-box is the best choice. This POTS alternative emulates traditional phone lines while using fiber or LTE. These devices are purpose-built to support fire alarms, elevator emergency phones, security systems, and point-of-sale terminals without requiring a full system upgrade.
For general business communication, VoIP and UCaaS offer scalable, cost-effective alternatives to POTS. VoIP enables internet-based voice calls with features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and auto attendants—ideal for businesses modernizing without heavy hardware investments. UCaaS goes further by combining voice, video, messaging, and file sharing into one cloud-based platform, making it perfect for remote or hybrid teams.
Other solutions include cellular-based solutions for remote operations (ideal for construction sites or fields), IoT-enabled communication models for industrial automation, SIP Trunking for enterprises with complex telephony setups, and so on.
4. POTS alternatives rely on an Internet connection. What is the backup plan in case the new solutions fail?
Modern POTS alternatives are designed with fallback plans in mind. Solutions like POTS-in-a-box contain a built-in battery backup, which ensures continued operation during power outages. To maximize uptime, today’s solutions also include integrated 4G/5G/LTE radios that automatically take over if the primary Internet connection fails. These cellular modules are engineered for low power consumption, helping to extend the life of the battery and keep essential systems online until power or connectivity is restored.
For VoIP and UCaaS users, backup plans often include failover internet connections (such as a secondary broadband or cellular network), uninterruptible power supplies, and cloud-based call routing that can redirect calls to mobile devices or alternate locations.
5. What is the ROI of replacing POTS lines?
The main benefit is reduced monthly fees and maintenance costs. You may even lower your insurance expenses. Additionally, POTS replacement services offer a digital portal for real-time visibility of all phone numbers, simplifying trouble ticketing, billing, and inventory management. This streamlined system also makes life easier for accounting teams by eliminating complex, paper-heavy legacy bills. Additionally, modern solutions offer stable, predictable budgeting, unlike the rising and unpredictable costs of legacy phone services.
While most benefits focus on cost savings, replacing your POTS lines also improves operational efficiency. Digital solutions often include features like management portals, reporting tools, and remote troubleshooting.
POTS alternatives also help you stay compliant with regulations, especially for critical systems like fire alarms, emergency phones, and elevators, thus reducing the risk of costly fines.
6. What are the criteria for evaluating a service provider to handle the POTS migration?
You have decided you want to outsource your POTS migration to a team of professionals. But how do you choose the right provider? While the answer may vary, every contractor must meet these general requirements to manage the transition effectively:
- Expertise in alternative technologies such as VoIP, LTE, fiber, and POTS-over-IP, along with the ability to manage specific use cases.
- Ability to conduct a precise inventory of active PSTN lines and identify critical uses.
- A tailored approach with guidance in selecting the most suitable solution.
- Capacity for multi-site deployment, both nationally and internationally.
- Strong focus on security and resilience of the solution.
- High-quality support and managed services to ensure ongoing performance.
Conclusion
It is entirely reasonable for organizations to approach the transition away from POTS with caution. After decades of reliable service, any change to critical infrastructure warrants careful consideration. However, the long-term cost and operational benefits of modern alternatives consistently outweigh the rising expenses and limitations of maintaining legacy analog systems. As telecom providers continue discontinuing copper lines, replacing POTS is becoming unavoidable. Planning the transition ahead of time gives you more control. By acting now, you set your organization up for long-term reliability and savings.
Afraid of something going wrong during your POTS migration? Here’s a list of the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.