POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) Explained

Today, more and more businesses are relying on modern phone systems, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), to handle their communications.  With cloud-based internet communication systems readily available, you may not have heard of the term ‘POTS Lines’ before.  However, we’re almost certain you or your business has used, or are still using, POTS Line applications in the past.  POTS, or ‘Plain Old Telephone Lines,’ refer to traditional landline phone systems that rely entirely on physical copper wires in order to function.  Copper landline POTS networks were created in the late 1800’s as a way to facilitate voice communication. 

When you first hear about copper landlines, you may immediately think about phone or fax lines.  While these are a few POTS Line applications, there are many other other applications that use POTS to function.  Most burglar systems, elevators, gates/doors, emergency and fire alarms still utilize POTS lines to remain connected.  Other applications include blue light tower trails on school campuses, ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) systems.  

The Shift Away From POTS to Digital

As mentioned above, the creation of Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has led to businesses adapting cloud-based internet systems for new forms of communication.  Traditional landline usage is on the decline among consumers, while the cost to maintain them has been steadily increasing over the years.  You may have noticed your own service bill creep up in price, or maybe you’ve noticed that some services have been discontinued altogether. 

What Does The Future Look Like For POTS Lines?

Starting in 2022, the FCC is calling for the discontinuation of all domestic Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Lines.  Many major phone companies, including AT&T, Windstream, Verizon, Lumens and smaller resellers, will no longer be obligated to service traditional copper analog POTS Lines.

What Does This Mean For POTS Line Users?

According to the FCC, there are roughly 36 million active POTS Line accounts in the United States at the time of this writing.  With each POTS Line costing end users anywhere between $65-$200 monthly per line, those costs will likely increase as the lines become increasingly more difficult  to maintain by major carriers.  Don’t be surprised if the general support level from your phone carrier declines as well. 

But don’t fret.  Like almost all other technologies, the future is digital!  Telplus Communications offers complete POTS Replacement service for your existing copper landlines.  We replace the telephone company with a wireless, internet based connection that will be faster, more reliable, and all-around better for your business.  We provide all the equipment, support and service that you’ll need to replace your outdated copper POTS landlines.