How To Modernize Legacy POTS Line Systems Without Replacing Equipment

Many businesses and facilities still rely on legacy equipment, such as elevator phones, fire alarm panels, and building access systems, that require analog copper POTS lines to function. But with telecom providers retiring copper networks and the FCC loosening service obligations, those lines are disappearing. The good news? You don’t have to rip out and replace your entire infrastructure. With solutions like Ooma AirDial, you can keep your existing systems and modernize their connectivity in a cost-effective and compliant manner.

The Challenge of Legacy Equipment and Copper Line Retirement

Analog devices were initially designed to work with Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines, AKA copper-based landlines, that have been the standard for over a century. But maintaining these lines is becoming harder and more expensive. Telecom carriers are phasing them out entirely, and service quality is declining. The FCC’s Forbearance Order removed the requirement for carriers to maintain these lines, allowing providers to hike prices or discontinue service altogether. Businesses are now faced with an expensive choice: replace every device that depends on POTS or find a smarter way forward.

Why Equipment Replacement Isn’t Always Necessary

Replacing life-safety systems, such as fire alarms and elevator phones can cost thousands per location, not to mention downtime, code compliance challenges, and tenant disruption. But in most cases, it’s not the equipment that’s outdated – it’s the connection. Devices built to use analog lines can continue to function perfectly if connected to a POTS replacement device that digitally emulates a copper line. That’s where Ooma AirDial comes in.

How Ooma AirDial Bridges the Gap

Ooma AirDial is a plug-and-play “POTS in a Box” device designed to keep analog systems functioning over modern networks. It connects legacy equipment to both LTE and broadband internet, providing a seamless transition away from copper infrastructure.

• Keep Your Existing Equipment – AirDial supports analog inputs, allowing it to work directly with devices such as fire alarm panels, elevators, gate intercoms, fax machines, and security systems. No hardware overhaul required.
• Dual-Network Redundancy – AirDial’s MultiPath technology utilizes both LTE and wired Ethernet simultaneously. If one connection fails, the other takes over instantly, meaning calls stay connected with zero downtime.
• Compliant By Design – Ooma AirDial is built with applicable regulatory standards in mind, including UL, NFPA 72, HIPAA, and ASME A17.1B. You can modernize without compromising on code requirements.
• Remote Monitoring & Alerts – AirDial’s cloud-based portal enables you to monitor all your lines from a single dashboard. Receive SMS or email alerts if a line goes down or a device goes offline.

Cost Savings and Reduced Downtime

Businesses that switch to Ooma AirDial report monthly savings of 30% to 60% compared to legacy POTS bills. With copper maintenance costs rising and repair times increasing due to a shrinking workforce and parts availability, AirDial offers both immediate cost benefits and long-term stability. Downtime is minimized thanks to built-in failover, and compliance is maintained without added complication.

Next Steps: How to Upgrade Without the Headache

Modernizing doesn’t have to mean managing a complicated infrastructure project. When you partner with a POTS replacement expert, the process becomes turnkey. We’ll audit your existing copper lines, help identify which systems are at risk, and install AirDial units where needed. Your legacy equipment stays put. Your communication infrastructure moves forward.

Modernize Without Replacing: Work With a POTS Replacement Expert

You don’t need to choose between staying stuck with unreliable copper lines or paying a fortune to replace your devices. With Ooma AirDial, you can modernize legacy systems with ease. As your POTS replacement partner, we’ll help you stay compliant, lower costs, and keep your critical infrastructure connected, no matter what happens to the old copper network.

Ready to modernize without the mess? Contact us today to get started with Ooma AirDial.