With VoIP phone systems and fax machines becoming increasingly popular, POTS lines are slowly disappearing. This has left many businesses wondering what will replace these traditional copper landlines.
Traditionally, making calls on a POTS line required human operators to perform circuit switching, which involved plugging caller and receiver wires into a standard patch panel. However, these operations became automated with POTS.
What is a POTS Line?
A POTS line is a traditional analog landline telephone connection. It works by transmitting signals through copper wires. POTS lines are PSTN (Public switched telephone network) lines. They were initially part of the telephone system, which connected homes and businesses to local central offices that connected calls locally and internationally.
So, what are POTS lines? POTS lines, or Plain Old Telephone Service lines, refer to traditional analog phone lines used for voice communication, offering essential telephone services without digital features like data transmission or internet connectivity.
Initiating a call on a rotary or touch-tone phone generates electrical pulses transmitted through the copper lines to the nearest telephone exchange. Human operators connected the calls using switchboards, but the process became automated in the 1970s and 80s. The copper lines were then used for new services, including modems and fax machines connected to the POTS line to transmit information digitally.
Today, a POTS line is the primary way most homes and small businesses connect to the global phone network. However, the world is shifting towards mobile technology, and fewer businesses are choosing to invest in POTS lines.
This is partly because of aging infrastructure systems’ increased cost and maintenance needs. The good news is that other alternatives to traditional landlines for business communications can provide a better ROI and save you money in the long run.
What are the Benefits of a POTS Line?
In addition to being the lifeline of traditional landlines, POTS lines are used in various essential devices. From fax machines and point-of-sale (POS) terminals to building entry systems and fire alarms, POTS lines can be a crucial line of communication for any business.
POTS lines, landlines, or PSTNs provide local and long-distance phone service. They’re also used for dial-up computer access using modems and connect directly to alarm systems for central monitoring.
However, the aging infrastructure of POTS networks can lead to high maintenance costs. And, as communications technologies continue to shift toward next-generation solutions, legacy POTS lines are quickly being phased out.
Many businesses that rely on POTS lines either receive notice of skyrocketing per-month rates or are told their POTS line will be decommissioned and need to find a new solution. Fortunately, many options exist to replace outdated POTS lines with more cost-efficient and reliable communications platforms.
If your organization still relies on POTS lines, they can conduct a connectivity assessment to help identify the best replacement options for your business. Contact us today to get started. We look forward to assisting you!
What are the Drawbacks of a POTS Line?
POTS lines rely on copper twisted pair wires to transmit phone calls. They are a legacy technology that relies on operators in central control rooms to connect callers. With the rise of digital telecommunication systems, the use of POTS lines has been reduced significantly.
The primary phone carriers no longer offer these traditional landline services, and many businesses relying on these lines have already cut the cord. With fiber networks providing faster speeds and a wide range of new features, traditional landlines are a thing of the past.
One of the main drawbacks to using a business telephone system with POTS lines is that these systems are expensive to maintain. The expenses can add up quickly, from hardware needs to IT professional consultancy to indispensable power cycle modems.
Additionally, the physical nature of the copper wires means that the network is at constant risk of damage from external factors like weather and natural disasters. These issues lead to costly network downtime that can seriously challenge any organization.
Lastly, the limited mobility offered by POTS lines restricts communication and collaboration between staff, clients, and other stakeholders. By contrast, unified communications platforms provide multiple ways to interact and can be easily accessed by employees on a mobile device. This makes it easier to meet customer expectations, and it can also be more cost-effective than maintaining a physical network.
What are the Alternatives to a POTS Line?
Several solutions are available for businesses that want to replace or supplement traditional landline network services with more modern options. These alternatives offer scalability, affordability, and advanced features to help you achieve your business communications goals.
As a business, you must consider all your technology options and decide which solution best meets your needs. While POTS lines still have their uses in far-flung areas where cell networks or internet coverage cannot reach, most companies are transitioning to a digital alternative.
When choosing a digital alternative, you should choose one that can provide a full range of business telephone services. T-1 circuits, for example, can replace up to 24 POTS lines with a single digital connection that offers local and long-distance service along with caller ID. This solution is ideal for businesses that require high-speed connectivity to the office PBX and need a full range of phone features.
As you plan to replace your existing POTS line, you should take a proactive approach that includes deploying a comprehensive telecom inventory management system, understanding the timeline for your provider’s sunset of POTS offerings, and setting a clear roadmap for moving to a digital alternative. It can help you transition with a white-glove migration to LCC Specialty Lines, which is fully managed and provides a battery backup that keeps devices active during power outages.