Keep Your College Campus Running Smoothly with Cellular POTS Replacement
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College campuses operate like small cities – with elevators, emergency phones, security systems, fire panels, and access control infrastructure all requiring steady connections and uptime. Many of these critical systems were installed years or even decades ago and still rely on copper analog POTS lines to function.
As telecom providers rapidly phase out copper infrastructure, campuses that haven’t upgraded risk experiencing service failures that impact safety, compliance, and campus operations. The good news? You don’t need to replace your entire system or the infrastructure. With cellular POTS replacement solutions like Ooma AirDial, you can bring campus infrastructure into the modern era, without replacing the hardware you already have.
Why Colleges Still Rely on POTS Lines—and Why That’s a Problem
Despite advances in VoIP and fiber connectivity, many essential systems across higher education campuses still use analog phone lines behind the scenes. These legacy POTS lines often power:
Utility or HVAC monitoring systems
These systems were chosen for their reliability, but the infrastructure they rely on – copper telephone networks – is being actively retired. With the FCC’s Forbearance Order 19- 72A1 in effect, carriers are no longer legally required to support and service POTS lines, and many are discontinuing them altogether. The longer a campus delays POTS replacement, the greater the risk of:
Unexpected service failure for emergency systems
Noncompliance with safety codes and accreditation standards
Costly last-minute upgrades and emergency repair work
Reputation damage from preventable safety breakdowns
The Real Costs of Delaying POTS Replacement on Campus
Copper line phase-outs cause service interruptions and create budget, compliance, and safety risks that campuses can’t afford to ignore.
Service Downtime
A blue light phone that fails in an emergency, or an elevator phone that can’t connect when someone is trapped, isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a liability. When analog lines are disconnected or degrade without warning, the systems that depend on them stop working.
Code Compliance Violations
Systems like fire alarms, emergency phones, and elevator communication systems are often regulated by codes such as NFPA 72 and ASME A17.1 B. If these systems fail or are disconnected, your campus could face fines, accreditation issues, or legal action.
Budget Strain
POTS line costs have ballooned in recent years, with many campuses paying $75 to $250 per line, per month, sometimes for a line used by a single emergency device. These unnecessary costs add up fast, especially across sprawling multi-building campuses.
Emergency Upgrades
Campuses that delay POTS replacement often scramble to fix outages after the fact. These emergency replacements are expensive, disruptive, and leave little room for strategic planning.
Why Ooma AirDial Is the Best Fit for Campus POTS Replacement
Ooma AirDial is a purpose-built cellular POTS replacement solution that allows colleges and universities to eliminate copper dependency while keeping their existing systems in place. It provides reliable, secure analog dial tone over a wireless network, mimicking the functionality of a traditional POTS line without the infrastructure.
Here’s why it works so well in a campus environment:
Supports Legacy Hardware
No need to replace fire panels, blue light stations, or elevator phones. AirDial connects directly to existing equipment and provides the analog signal those devices need.
Reliable Connectivity
AirDial uses a managed, secure wireless network to ensure dependable communication, even in remote parts of campus where traditional networks might fail.
Battery Backup
Each unit includes battery support (up to 8 hours) to keep systems operational during power outages—an essential feature for fire safety and emergency response.
Remote Monitoring
Facilities and IT teams can monitor all AirDial units across campus in one centralized dashboard, receiving real-time alerts if a device goes offline.
Compliance Built-In
AirDial is designed with regulatory compliance in mind. It supports NFPA, UL, ASME, and HIPAA guidelines, helping your campus avoid violations and maintain accreditation.
Flat Monthly Pricing
Instead of unpredictable copper line costs, campuses get a single, manageable monthly rate for each line, reducing telecom expenses over time.
Who Should Consider Upgrading?
Every campus should take a close look at its infrastructure, especially if it includes any of the following:
Blue light safety phones are placed across walkways or parking decks
Elevator emergency phones in residence halls or academic buildings
Fire panel connections in legacy classroom or admin buildings
Security and access control systems that dial out via landline
Fax machines in registrars, admissions, or health centers
Utility or building systems that report via phone line
If you’re unsure whether a system still uses a POTS line, POTS Replacement can audit your infrastructure and provide clear recommendations.
Partner with POTS Replacement for a Smooth Transition
At POTS Replacement, we specialize in helping colleges and universities upgrade and manage their critical communication systems. From site reviews to deployment, we’ll help you replace outdated copper lines with a reliable, future-proof cellular solution that works with your current hardware.
Don’t Wait Until an Emergency Forces Action
The copper sunset is happening, line by line, month by month. Delaying the transition only increases costs and risks. Your campus deserves a proactive plan that protects students, faculty, and infrastructure without last-minute emergencies.
Schedule a consultation with POTS Replacement today to learn how we can help keep your campus secure, compliant, and connected, long after copper lines are gone.