POTS Replacement for Gate Access and Entry Systems
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Gate access and entry systems are essential infrastructure for residential communities, commercial properties, and gated facilities. These systems do more than open and close a gate – they regulate who can enter, protect residents and assets, and provide a first impression of your property’s security standards. However, many gate intercoms and call boxes still rely on aging copper analog POTS lines, a technology that is being rapidly retired by telecom providers across the country.
With monthly analog line costs rising and service reliability declining, property owners and managers are increasingly facing the decision to either upgrade or risk unexpected system failure. Fortunately, modern cellular POTS replacement solutions, like Ooma AirDial, offer a cost-effective way to keep legacy entry systems operational without needing to replace the devices and the infrastructure.
Why Gate Entry Systems Still Depend on POTS Lines
Gate and building entry systems are often overlooked when assessing telecom infrastructure. If the intercom works and calls through to the leasing office or resident, it’s easy to assume all is well. But behind the scenes, many of these systems are still connected via Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) – the same copper line technology that’s been in use since the 20th century.
These POTS-connected devices may have been installed 10, 15, or even 20 years ago. And while the hardware itself may still be functional, the analog phone line it relies on is now a liability. What’s more, many property teams don’t realize that:
The gate call box or intercom panel may still rely on an analog line even if the property has fiber or VoIP for regular voice service.
The POTS line could cost hundreds of dollars per month, often for a single-purpose connection that only dials one or two numbers.
The service provider may discontinue the copper line at some point, which would disable the gate’s communication system, leaving you to scramble for a fix so residents can enter and exit.
With no monitoring or alert system, outages can go unnoticed until a resident, guest, or delivery driver reports the issue. That puts your team in a reactive position, a position you don’t want to be in.
The Risks of Keeping Gate Entry Systems on POTS Lines
The longer a gate access system remains on copper infrastructure, the higher the risk of failure, and the greater the costs when something goes wrong. These systems play a frontline role in building access and perimeter security. When they fail, the impact is immediate and public.
Staying with analog lines exposes your property to:
Service Interruptions – Analog lines can fail without warning, cutting off access for residents, visitors, vendors, or emergency personnel. This can lead to lockouts or stranded guests at all hours.
Security Vulnerabilities – If the gate call box can’t complete a call, there’s no way to verify who’s requesting entry, leaving the property more susceptible to unauthorized access or vandalism.
Compliance Risk – Properties with ADA-accessible entry systems or building code obligations could fall out of compliance if those systems become inoperable.
Emergency Upgrade Costs – When analog lines fail, emergency fixes often involve premium pricing, rush labor, and limited product availability.
In many cases, properties don’t find a problem until a resident reports that the gate intercom isn’t working. And by that point, the system may have been offline for days or weeks, creating frustration and exposing the property to liability.
Why Ooma AirDial Is Ideal for Gate Entry System Replacement
Ooma AirDial is a cellular-based POTS replacement solution explicitly designed to maintain analog functionality over a wireless connection. It gives property owners the ability to keep their existing gate entry hardware intact while eliminating the aging copper lines that threaten reliability and drive up costs.
With AirDial, your gate access system gains immediate benefits:
Keeps Your Existing Equipment – There’s no need to replace the intercom panel, rewire the property, or upgrade to expensive IP-based devices. AirDial acts as a bridge between your legacy device and a secure, managed wireless network.
Eliminates Copper Dependency – Instead of routing through unreliable copper lines, AirDial transmits analog signals over a stable cellular connection, ensuring your system continues functioning during the copper sunset.
Battery Backup Included – Each unit includes built-in battery power capable of supporting the system for up to 8 hours during an outage, preserving communication and access.
Remote Visibility and Alerts – Gain peace of mind with a cloud-based dashboard that lets you monitor connection status and receive alerts if the system ever goes offline.
Lower Monthly Costs – Most properties see immediate savings by replacing high-fee analog lines with predictable flat-rate cellular service.
Compliant and Tested – AirDial is built to support systems governed by ADA requirements, local building codes, and emergency access protocols.
In short, AirDial lets you modernize the connection without replacing the device, offering the perfect balance of affordability, speed, and reliability.
Who Should Consider Upgrading?
If your property has any of the following, it’s time to assess your gate system’s connection:
Multifamily communities with gated vehicle or pedestrian access
Private neighborhoods managed by an HOA
Commercial buildings with front gates or secured entries
Self-storage facilities with keypad or intercom access
Parking decks or garages using entry kiosks
Any building where call boxes are tied to unit phones, leasing offices, or front desk staff
Whether you’re managing five units or five hundred, the functionality of your gate entry system is a vital part of daily operations. A failure isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a security and service breakdown. If you’re unsure how your system is connected, POTS Replacement can help assess the current setup and guide you through your options.
Get Ahead of the Copper Sunset
The retirement of copper infrastructure isn’t a future event – it’s happening now. In many regions, telecom providers are already deactivating POTS lines with little notice. As these changes continue, properties relying on analog lines will experience more service issues, fewer support options, and higher monthly bills.
Upgrading your gate entry system with a cellular POTS replacement solution like Ooma AirDial gives you control over the transition. It ensures that your security, access control, and resident communication systems remain operational and compliant, all without replacing legacy hardware.
We offer property audits, system documentation, installation, and post-deployment support, making it easy to transition your gate system to a modern, future-ready solution.
Contact us today to schedule a site review or learn more about replacing POTS lines for gate access systems. We’ll help you keep the gates open, without relying on lines that are closing.