POTS Lines Reach End of Service – What To Do Now

Copper telephone lines have gradually been replaced over the last 5-10 years with digital and voice over internet options, yet some businesses may still have their voice, fax, elevator or alarm lines over POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines. 

There has been talk about discontinuing POTS lines since 2017.  It looks like it’s finally reaching a point in our area where that is about to happen.  Businesses with basic telephone service (CO lines, 1FB’s, POTS) are receiving notices from their carriers that the service will be retired beginning on or around June 15, 2021.  The reason for the discontinuation of these circuits is aging infrastructure and the cost to maintain it.  Because of this, the POTS service has become more expensive for the end user.  The new services available are less expensive for the carriers to maintain and provide some features the old POTS lines couldn’t. 

“Pots lines are no longer the only option when it comes to reliable, inspection approved options for fax, elevator, and emergency lines.  It is time to look past aging copper infrastructure to alternative delivery options with more competitive price points.”  Maria Morris, Service Manager, Unified Technologies Clous/Carrier Division.

The letters we have seen, that have been shared with us by our customers, suggest a meeting with the carrier to determine the best course of action to replace the POTS lines.  That’s definitely a consideration, but before you decide how to replace your old phone lines, make sure you have all your options in front of you.  Unified is a broker for most major circuit providers.  We can provide a free analysis of all available options in your area and determine the best fit for you and your equipment. If no other service or reasonable substitute exists in your area you would need to file comments with the FCC notifying them of the need to maintain POTS in your area.  This should only be an issue in remote areas

If you get a notice or if we can help you evaluate your carrier services, please contact us as soon as possible via our web page or by calling our offices at 800-489-4103