FCC Forbearance Order 19-72A1 Explained
The FCC POTS Lines Forbearance Order 19-72A1 requires that all POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) Lines in the U.S. be replaced with an alternative service by August 2, 2022. FCC POTS Lines Forbearance Order 19-72A1 effectively ushers in an ‘end-of-life’ scenario for traditional analog copper POTS Line systems. This also means that any security or life-saving emergency communication systems still using POTS Lines must be replaced without disruption to continue functioning!
Click here to download a PDF of FCC Pots Lines Forbearance Order 19-72A1
The Impact Of FCC POTS Lines Forbearance Order 19-72A1
The deadline to replace traditional copper analog POTS Lines has passed, but it’s not too late to make the switch! Due to FCC POTS Lines Forbearance Order 19-72A1, telecommunications carriers, such as AT&T, Windstream, Verizon, Lumens, and smaller resellers, are no longer legally required to service POTS Lines.
The impact of FCC POTS Lines Forbearance Order 19-72A1 on businesses, individuals, and industries include:
- An Increase in Monthly Pricing – Telecommunications carriers are increasing pricing for existing POTS lines between 75% – 200% in a concentrated effort to force customer migration away from the outdated, dying POTS Line infrastructure.
- Continuous Reduction in Provided Support – Telecommunication carriers are no longer required to service POTS Lines, making them obsolete and essentially ‘left-for-dead’ technology. Not only will you be left paying more monthly, but you’ll also be paying for the service of copper analog lines that no longer receive maintenance.
Perhaps a more important factor to consider is how urgent making the switch away from POTS lines is for your business. Critical systems like fax machines, POS systems, ATMs, elevators, security systems, fire alarms, and more will all cease to function as designed if left to operate on POTS lines. This lack of functionality can lead to reduced productivity, loss of revenue, and decreased customer satisfaction for your business. Suppose your emergency 911 systems are still running on traditional copper analog POTS lines. In that case, disrupted service can lead to slower response times, an inability to relay distress, and even loss of life!
Easy To Install POTS Replacement Options
Some solutions, such as VoIP, can handle certain POTS line functions, like phone and voice. However, special services historically supported by POTS lines, such as fire and burglar alarms, elevator lines, fax lines, ATMs, and analog modem data, make working with VoIP challenging. This is due to the unique codecs and transmission modes needed to support such devices effectively.
Consider these devices below for complete POTS Line replacement that you can install yourself.
Granite EPIK
This all-in-one POTS replacement device allows analog devices to register directly with Granite EPIK and peer with the PSTN. Its 4G LTE standard connectivity with 5G capability means that Granite EPIK can be used for WiFi and broadband failover, where service is available.
Ooma AirDial
As the number of copper lines decreases, your costs to keep a traditional phone line increase. Ooma AirDial is a POTS line replacement solution that keeps your analog phone line systems and other mission-critical legacy devices connected. Reliable service over a dedicated wireless network.