How The Copper Sunset Will Affect Your Residential Community
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The technology behind traditional landline phones is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Known as POTS lines (Plain Old Telephone Service), these analog copper phone lines have been the backbone of communication systems in homes and residential communities for decades. But that era is ending, thanks to what’s being called the copper sunset.
This transition is more than a technical shift for property managers, HOAs, and owners of multi-unit buildings. It affects the infrastructure that keeps residents safe, secure, and connected. Understanding what’s changing – and how best to prepare for it – is the first step toward avoiding unexpected disruptions and expensive emergencies.
What Is the Copper Sunset?
The copper sunset refers to the ongoing retirement of copper-based telephone networks nationwide. What was once essential to voice calls and basic connectivity, telecom providers are phasing out these copper analog lines in favor of newer, more advanced technologies like wireless and cellular connections.
This phase-out is no longer a prediction—it’s happening now. The FCC’s Forbearance Order 19-72A1 gave providers the green light to begin decommissioning these legacy systems, and major companies like AT&T have already set timelines to shut down copper services entirely. Now, with the FCC’s newest announcement on March 20th, 2025, the copper sunset is happening even faster.
As maintenance becomes more expensive and support continues to dwindle, the reliability of POTS lines has dropped. This shift is especially critical in residential communities where many building systems still rely on copper-based connections.
Which Systems in a Residential Community May Still Use Copper Lines?
Many of your residential community’s essential communications and emergency systems still rely on aging copper analog lines. These aren’t just conveniences – they’re often life-safety or access-control systems required by code.
Here are some of the most common systems still running on traditional POTS lines:
Gate Entry Systems
Call boxes and gate entry intercoms often use copper phone lines to dial units or management offices. If that line goes down, residents and guests could lose access or be unable to reach help.
Elevator Emergency Phones
Building codes require elevator phones to connect to a live operator in case someone becomes trapped. If the copper line fails, the elevator phone won’t work, posing a serious liability risk.
Fire Alarm Panels
Fire systems use POTS lines to communicate test signals and emergency alerts to monitoring stations. These are essential for code compliance and resident safety.
Security Alarm Systems
Older intrusion alarms may rely on copper lines to trigger emergency response calls. Losing this connection can leave your property vulnerable.
Swimming Pool Emergency Phones
Many community pools are equipped with emergency phones to meet local safety regulations. If these lines go offline, help may not be reachable in a crisis.
Fax Machines in Management Offices
Though outdated, many residential office operations still use fax machines for maintenance requests, legal forms, and lease renewals. These machines typically depend on analog lines.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Replace POTS Lines
The copper sunset isn’t just a future event, it’s an ongoing process. In some areas, copper service has already been discontinued with minimal notice. That means any system still relying on those lines could suddenly stop working without warning.
Here’s what’s at stake if you don’t act:
Non-Compliance: Life-safety systems like elevators and fire alarms require operational phone lines. If those lines fail, your property could fall out of compliance with local codes and safety laws.
Disrupted Access: If gate or building entry systems go offline, residents may be locked out, or worse, emergency personnel may not be able to enter the parking lot or lobby area.
Unplanned Costs: Emergency replacements often have higher costs, rushed installs, and avoidable headaches.
Resident Complaints: A downed line can cause frustration and damage your reputation as a trusted property operator.
Being proactive about POTS replacement helps you avoid these pitfalls and stay ahead of inevitable infrastructure changes.
How to Future-Proof Your Community with POTS Replacement
The good news? There’s no need to overhaul your entire system. You don’t have to replace expensive devices or invest in disruptive construction. With cellular POTS replacement solutions like Ooma AirDial, you can maintain all the functionality of your existing systems while switching the underlying connection to a modern, managed wireless network.
Ooma AirDial is purpose-built for legacy analog devices and comes equipped with:
A built-in battery backup for power outages
Remote monitoring and alerting
Support for fire panels, elevator phones, gate access systems, and more
Regulatory compliance with UL, NFPA, ASME, and HIPAA standards
Easy deployment with minimal setup required
This cellular POTS replacement solution delivers everything needed to replace communications systems that rely on copper lines.
Take the Next Step with POTS Replacement
We specialize in helping residential communities transition smoothly away from outdated copper infrastructure. We’ll help you identify which systems still rely on analog lines, provide a cost-effective replacement plan, and install a future-ready solution like Ooma AirDial that keeps everything connected.
Don’t wait for service to fail. That could result in a disaster. The copper sunset is accelerating, and your community deserves better than outdated lines and unreliable connections.
Contact us today to start the transition and keep your property safe, connected, and compliant.