Common Myths About POTS Replacement Debunked
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As telecom providers rush to phase out copper phone lines, businesses are left with a critical decision – adapt now or scramble later. But for many property owners, IT managers, and facilities directors, switching from copper analog lines, also known as POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), can feel overwhelming, especially with so much misinformation.
This article breaks down the most common myths about POTS replacement and explains why switching to a modern solution like Ooma AirDial is simpler, smarter, and more urgent than you may realize.
Myth #1 – We Can Keep Using Our Copper Lines Forever
It’s a common assumption – if the phone line still has a dial tone, why change it? The problem is that copper POTS lines are being phased out quietly and by design. The FCC’s Forbearance Order 19-72A1 gave telecom providers the green light to stop supporting, repairing, or maintaining copper infrastructure. AT&T has announced plans to fully sunset its analog landline service by 2029, and others are following suit.
Even in areas where copper lines technically still work, the reality is that service quality is declining and costs are increasing. Waiting until the day the dial tone goes dead puts your business at risk of non-compliance, downtime, and safety issues. The copper sunset is happening now—and it won’t reverse course.
Myth #2 – POTS Replacement Is Only for Large Businesses
There’s a misconception that only enterprise-level organizations must worry about POTS replacement. In reality, small and medium-sized businesses often rely even more heavily on legacy systems, like elevator phones, fire alarms, gate entry systems, and security panels, because they may not have upgraded their infrastructure in decades.
The good news? POTS replacement is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s scalable, flexible, and cost-effective for businesses of any size. Whether you manage a single commercial property, a small apartment building, or a chain of retail stores, transitioning away from copper is both accessible and necessary.
Myth #3 – It’s Too Expensive to Replace My Existing Phone Lines
Switching to a new system involves an investment, but staying on copper is more expensive. Monthly rates for analog lines have skyrocketed, with many businesses unknowingly paying over $100 per line for service that hasn’t improved in decades. These rising costs are intentional, as providers discourage the continued use of outdated infrastructure.
By contrast, POTS replacement solutions like Ooma AirDial offer predictable, lower-cost pricing with more features, including monitoring, alerting, and battery backup. Over time, the savings add up, especially when managing multiple lines across multiple locations.
Myth #4 – I’ll Have to Replace All My Equipment
This is one of the most persistent POTS replacement myths, and fortunately, it’s false. You don’t need to throw out your entire system to move away from copper. Devices like fire alarm panels, elevator phones, fax machines, and building entry systems were built to connect to analog lines. Still, POTS replacement solutions like AirDial mimic that analog dial tone using a digital or cellular connection.
That means you can keep using the equipment you’ve already paid for, saving you thousands of dollars in hardware replacement costs. The switch happens behind the scenes, and your systems keep working like always.
Myth #5 – VoIP Won’t Work with My Emergency Systems
This myth comes from a real issue. Standard VoIP doesn’t reliably support all emergency or life-safety systems. But that’s why POTS replacement is not the same as basic VoIP.
Solutions like Ooma AirDial are explicitly engineered to work with legacy devices that require analog dial tone functionality. They meet strict compliance standards for industries like healthcare, multi-tenant housing, and commercial property management, ensuring systems like fire panels and elevator phones stay fully functional and code-compliant.
Myth #6 – We Don’t Need to Switch Until Something Breaks
The problem with waiting until something breaks is that you lose all control over the timeline. If a copper line suddenly fails, and your elevator phone or fire alarm system goes down, you could be scrambling to fix it while dealing with service providers who no longer support that infrastructure.
Not only does this create a safety and liability issue, but it could also result in costly downtime or regulatory violations. Being proactive about POTS replacement allows you to plan, budget, and implement a smoother transition without crisis-mode pressure.
Myth #7 – Cellular-Based POTS Replacement Isn’t Reliable
Today’s POTS replacement solutions are built for reliability. Devices like Ooma AirDial use secure, managed wireless networks, often with dual-SIM options and failover protections. They also include internal battery backup (up to 8 hours), which keeps systems running during power outages.
Compare that to copper lines, which are more prone to service disruptions, corrosion, and long repair times. Modern POTS replacements are often more dependable than the lines they’re replacing.
Myth #8 – The Transition Will Be Complicated and Disruptive
Upgrading your system doesn’t have to mean a full-blown infrastructure overhaul. POTS replacement is designed to be as plug-and-play as possible. There’s no trenching, no rewiring, and no need to replace your existing devices.
We can handle the entire transition, from identifying your current POTS lines to installing the replacement solution and ensuring all systems are running smoothly.
Myth #9 – POTS Lines Are More Reliable Than Digital
There was a time when copper was the gold standard, but that time has passed. Copper infrastructure is aging fast, and telecom providers are no longer prioritizing repairs or maintenance. Many buildings experience static, dropped signals, or complete outages without clear resolution.
In contrast, digital and wireless alternatives offer more redundancy, faster support, and easier monitoring, giving property managers and IT teams real-time insight into their systems’ health.
Myth #10 – POTS Replacement Solutions Are Complex To Install
Modern POTS replacement solutions are built with simplicity in mind. Devices like AirDial come pre-configured and are designed to drop right into your existing setup. Once connected, they automatically begin transmitting call signals over a secure, managed network.
You don’t need a technician on staff or any special telecom training. Our experts at POTS Replacement will help you map out every line, recommend the right solution, and manage the installation so that you can move forward with confidence.
The Truth? POTS Replacement Is Easier Than You Think
These POTS replacement myths might sound convincing at first, but the truth is, sticking with copper is the real risk. Costs are rising. Support is disappearing. And life-safety systems can’t afford downtime.
We can help you transition smoothly from outdated POTS lines to a reliable, future-ready solution that works with your existing systems. We make it simple, cost-effective, and fully compliant.
Contact us today to start planning your migration and protect your building from the copper sunset.
FAQ About Elevator Emergency Phones
An elevator emergency phone is a dedicated communication device located inside an elevator cab that allows passengers to call for help if they become trapped or experience an emergency. These phones are typically required by building safety codes and must provide a direct connection to emergency personnel or monitoring centers.
Elevator emergency phones are legally required to ensure passenger safety in the event of an elevator malfunction, power outage, or other emergency. They provide a way for trapped individuals to contact building staff, emergency responders, or security teams, helping ensure a timely rescue and reducing panic.
Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), elevator emergency phones must meet specific accessibility standards. This includes requirements such as visual indicators, two-way communication without voice interaction (for individuals with hearing or speech impairments), and proper height placement for wheelchair accessibility.
Elevator emergency phones connect to a central monitoring service or on-site security via a dedicated phone line. Traditionally, they operated over POTS lines, but due to the copper sunset, many are now being transitioned to digital or cellular solutions like Ooma AirDial, which provide the same functionality with improved reliability and lower cost.
Yes. Elevator emergency phones are required to be tested regularly—often monthly or quarterly—depending on local building codes and regulations. Regular testing ensures the phone is operational, connected, and compliant with applicable safety standards.
To meet ADA accessibility guidelines, elevator emergency phones must be installed at a height that is reachable from a seated position—typically between 15 and 48 inches from the floor of the elevator cab. The phone interface should also be usable by individuals with limited reach or mobility.
Yes. ADA compliance requires that elevator emergency phones be operable by users with limited or no manual dexterity. This often means the phone must automatically connect when a button is pressed and include features like hands-free communication, illuminated indicators, and voice prompts.
Most elevator emergency phones are powered by the building’s electrical system and backed up by a battery. In modern POTS replacement solutions like Ooma AirDial, an internal battery can keep the phone system functional for up to 8 hours during a power outage, ensuring emergency communication remains available.
Calls from elevator emergency phones are typically routed to a 24/7 monitoring center, building security office, or property management team. The response personnel are trained to assess the situation, reassure the caller, and dispatch emergency services or technicians as needed.