An Exploration of the Myths Surrounding POTS Replacement
Continued Copper Retirement
You probably know by now that Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) is being phased out. The FCC initiated the phase-out of copper POTS lines due to their various disadvantages and challenges. This transition was propelled by regulatory changes, notably FCC Order 15-97, which allowed incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) to retire their copper networks. The shift accelerated with FCC Order 19-72, which facilitated the retirement of copper infrastructure by removing ILECs’ obligations to offer unbundled copper loops and discounts on copper resale POTS lines.
As this retirement unfolds, prices for telephony lines have dramatically increased, the servicing of these lines is decreasing, and some telephony equipment is no longer available. In addition, local exchange carriers continue to send out their letters of service discontinuation and continue to shut down legacy services.
For businesses, this brings with it a certain amount of stress, which is understandable. In most cases, a business can’t just switch to basic wireless or VoIP replacement. A broader digital solution is necessary and many times this is due to specialty telephony lines. Specialty lines are those that support fax machines, security alarm systems, elevators, fire alarm systems, and other emergency communications systems. You’ll notice that a good portion of these lines are safety-related, and what better time than National Safety Month to talk about these! There is specific technology that is used, particularly when it comes to specialty and emergency connections, to transform a POTS line to a digital communications line. MetTel leverages this technology and has deep expertise in this area, and we’ll cover the details later in this blog post.
Because there is some stress about the problem and some complexity to the solution, we seem to be entering into a period of misconceptions and myths when it comes to POTS replacement. I’d like to identify these misconceptions and myths and do a little myth-busting. Also, I’d like to add that MetTel has already helped many organizations through their POTS Transformations, including large businesses with thousands of phone lines throughout the entire country, as well as large government agencies. We know how to simplify the complexity and provide organizations with digital communications systems that are superior to their previous systems—and that also save them money. As a result of our deep expertise, we know a myth when we hear one and we make every effort to dispel these myths to clear up confusion and reduce stress around the issue.
POTS Replacement Myths
Myth 1: POTS is More Reliable than Modern Alternatives
Myth Busted: A common misconception is that POTS lines are more reliable than modern digital alternatives. While POTS has historically been dependable, advancements in communications and networking technology have resolved the reliability concern with high uptime rates and advanced failover options that facilitate continuous connectivity even during outages.
Exemplifying this, MetTel’s POTS Transformation is designed for robust performance and high reliability. The service operates over a private network, ensuring that emergency communications remain secure and prioritized. With 10 Points of Presence (PoPs) and geographically diverse application servers throughout the U.S., MetTel provides lower latency, better performance, and high redundancy.
Myth 2: Switching from POTS is too Complicated and Causes Major Disruptions
Myth Busted: The transition from copper lines to a digital system is often perceived as a source of major disruption for businesses. However, using MetTel as an example, our POTS Transformation solution minimizes this impact with a comprehensive migration plan and a seamless transition process. In addition, by using advanced technology like DataRemote’s POTS in a Box (PIAB), businesses can maintain critical functions with minimal downtime. This approach ensures continuous, reliable service even during the transition phase.
Myth 3: Digital Communications Systems are too Expensive
Myth Busted: Another common myth is that digital communications systems are prohibitively expensive. In reality, these solutions often lead to significant cost savings over time. Traditional POTS lines have become expensive, especially with local exchange carriers drastically raising rates as they retire copper lines. We’ve seen some businesses paying as high as $1,500 per month per line. Most digital voice systems, on the other hand, typically offer lower monthly rates, reduced fees, and lower maintenance costs. Plus, with digital service, businesses can scale their services up or down based on their needs, providing further cost flexibility.
Myth 4: VoIP Doesn’t Offer the Same Call Quality as POTS
Myth Busted: Worries about call quality sometimes discourage businesses from transitioning to a modern voice solution. However, digital voice systems offer call quality that matches or exceeds traditional POTS. Proper network configuration, sufficient bandwidth, and high-quality communications equipment are essential for ensuring world-class call quality. Businesses that work with POTS replacement providers that facilitate these key components are pleasantly surprised by the quality, clarity, and reliability of their voice calls today.
Myth 5: Digital Voice Systems Lack Advanced Features Compared to POTS
Myth Busted: Some businesses assume that POTS offers more advanced features than newer digital voice solutions. The truth is quite the opposite. Modern digital voice systems are equipped with a wide range of advanced features that POTS simply cannot match. Features like virtual extensions, auto-attendants, mobile integration, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-email transcription are standard with most digital communications services. In addition, modern solutions provide far more transparency and centralized system control. These features enhance productivity and streamline communication, offering significant advantages over traditional POTS lines.
Myth 6: POTS is Necessary for Emergency Services
Myth Busted: Many believe that only POTS has the capability to connect to emergency services due to its direct connection to traditional 911 services. This is not the case. Enhanced 911 (E911) services are now standard with most voice systems, which provide accurate location information to emergency responders. Additionally, many digital communications systems are equipped with built-in redundancy and failover options to ensure uninterrupted service in case of an emergency. MetTel uses technology that is specifically designed to support these critical functions. It is important to ask your POTS replacement provider about compatibility with your existing legacy telecom equipment. MetTel’s POTS Transformation solution leverages one of the most compatible technologies on the market today, ensuring seamless integration and reliable emergency services without compromising on safety and functionality.
Emergency and Specialty Lines
Returning to a National Safety Month theme, I’d like to further explore an important component of POTS Transformation – transitioning emergency and specialty lines. These lines require specifically designed technology along with the experience to deploy, install, and manage that technology. This can be complex, but as stated earlier, MetTel has deep expertise and proven success simplifying this complexity for businesses and government agencies of all sizes. In the following sections I will briefly discuss some of the more common emergency and specialty lines that we transform to digital communications solutions for our customers.
Emergency Communication Systems
I think we covered this pretty well in Myth 6, but it’s worth reiterating that technology compatibility is critical here. There are many different types of POTS emergency communications systems, such as red phones that may be found throughout a hotel or blue light phones on university and college campuses. The technology used for these different systems will likely be inconsistent and may be quite old. MetTel’s POTS Transformation leverages technology that has one of the highest rates of compatibility in the market. This is another way that we simplify complexity and help organizations make a seamless transition from POTS to modern digital communications systems that have built-in redundancy and failover options to facilitate uninterrupted emergency communication services.
Fire and Burglar Alarms
Many fire and burglar alarm systems still depend on POTS lines for their connectivity. Like emergency communications systems, these legacy systems require compatible replacement technology, which can be complex to implement. MetTel addresses this complexity by leveraging technology that is compatible with a vast range of legacy telecom and alarm panel equipment, ensuring a smooth transition to an enhanced digital system.
Elevator Communication Systems
Elevator phones represent another specialty line type that have relied on traditional copper POTS connectivity. If elevator phone lines will be part of your POTS replacement project, make sure your provider has compatible technology. MetTel’s POTS Transformation solution leverages technology that ensures compatibility and will seamlessly migrate your emergency elevator phone lines to one digital communications solution.
The Benefits of POTS Transformation
Now that we have done some myth-busting and discussed the intricacies of replacing emergency and other specialty phone lines, it would be good to briefly list some of the benefits of migrating from traditional copper POTS to a modern digital communications solution.
- Highly Reliable Connection: Continuous operation of emergency and specialty communication systems.
- Advanced Features: As mentioned above, digital voice solutions come with standard features plus a variety of advanced features such as virtual extensions, auto-attendants, mobile integration, and voicemail-to-email transcription.
- Integration with Other Services: Integrate with other business tools such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, making communication more efficient across the entire organization.
- Unified Communications: Digital voice solutions can be part of a unified communications system, which includes voice, video, and messaging, enhancing collaboration.
- Multimedia Support: Digital communications systems support multimedia communications, such as conferencing and video calls.
- Enhanced Performance: Leverage low latency, high-speed networks that facilitate exceptional voice quality.
- Private Network: Traffic is routed over a private network, enhancing performance and security.
- Scalability and Versatility: Adapts to various operational needs and scales according to demand.
- Geographic Flexibility: Digital communications systems can be used wherever internet is available, easily allowing for remote and hybrid work, and mobile use.
- Transparency: Complete visibility into your entire digital communications solution through one centrally managed portal.
- Remote Configuration: The settings and configurations of digital communications systems can often be adjusted remotely, reducing the need for on-site technical support.
- Cost Savings: The consolidated and more economical digital solution usually reduces expenses associated with traditional POTS lines.
- Ongoing High-Touch Service & Support: 24/7/365 Network Operation Center (NOC) support ensures continuous monitoring and assistance for optimal performance.
- Minimal Disruption: Quick installation with little to no disruption to existing services.
Transitioning from POTS to a modern digital communications solution is a strategic move that offers many benefits. In addition, it can help ensure safety and reliability, especially when it comes to the unique connections necessary for emergency phones, fire and burglar alarms, and elevator communications systems.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few misconceptions and myths out there about POTS replacement, which I hope I’ve addressed for you. By debunking these common myths, I encourage businesses to explore the advantages of modern communication technologies. Embrace the future of business communication with confidence, knowing that the myths surrounding POTS replacement are just that—myths.
