Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Lines Explained
In today’s world, most businesses rely on modern communication systems such as VoIP. Because of this, the term POTS, or Plain Old Telephone Service, is not mentioned as often as it once was. In simple terms, POTS refers to the traditional analog landline system that depends on copper wiring to transmit voice calls.
What Is POTS?
POTS networks were created in the late 1800s to make voice communication possible. For decades, these analog landlines connected homes and businesses across the country. Many people still remember picking up a receiver, listening for a dial tone, and manually entering a number to make a call.
While this technology worked well for generations, it is now being replaced by digital and wireless solutions that offer faster, more reliable, and cost-effective service.
The Transition Away from POTS
As technology evolves, maintaining old copper networks has become increasingly expensive. Because of this, many major carriers have decided to retire traditional copper lines and shift to modern alternatives.
According to the FCC, there are still more than 36 million POTS lines in the United States, with an average cost of $65 per line per month. However, these numbers continue to drop each year as businesses and service providers adopt new technology.
POTS lines are still in use for several reasons:
- They provide reliable 911 access for elevators, alarm systems, and fire panels.
- Many businesses still depend on them for fax machines, modems, and out-of-band management systems.
Despite these uses, it’s clear that POTS replacement is becoming a necessary step for organizations that want to stay connected and compliant with modern standards.
What Can You Do If You Need to Replace Your POTS Line?
If you still rely on copper-based phone lines, now is the time to explore POTS replacement solutions.
At MarketSpark, we deliver a wireless alternative that is faster, more reliable, and easier to maintain than legacy landlines. Our team provides complete equipment, service, and support to ensure a smooth transition away from copper.
Here are just a few benefits of working with us:
- Fire Marshal–approved equipment in all 50 states
- Simple, transparent rate plans with predictable costs
- Real-time monitoring through a central station
- Online portal for easy service management
- Self-installation options or a dedicated installation team for complex projects
- Guaranteed hardware and service for the life of your term
Our POTS replacement services help businesses maintain critical connections for fire alarms, elevators, and security systems—all while lowering costs and improving reliability.
The Future of POTS Replacement
The phase-out of copper networks is already underway. Businesses that act now can avoid service disruptions, reduce expenses, and modernize their communications infrastructure.
By switching to a wireless POTS replacement solution, you gain access to faster performance, better uptime, and easier management. At POTS Replacement, we make the process simple and stress-free from start to finish.In an era where more businesses are relying on modern telephone systems like VoIP, the term POTS probably isn’t thrown around a lot. But in laymen’s terms, POTS, or “plain old telephone service” lines, are the traditional landline phone system that relies on physical copper wires for service.
So What is POTS?
POTS networks were created to facilitate voice communication since the late 1800’s, and is the analog “landline” phone system that most of us grew up with at home.
The Transition Away from POTS
With modern technology progressing and the high cost of maintaining copper lines, these traditional land lines are becoming less and less common among consumers.
Many major carriers have decided to shut off copper POTS lines in an effort to eliminate copper POTS lines by 2020. Service fees have been steadily increasing over the years, and some services have been terminated. According to the FCC, there are still more than 36 million POTS lines in the United States and the average cost for a line is $65 per month.
However, many POTS lines are still in use for numerous reasons:
- It provides access to 911 emergency services for elevators, fire panels, alarm systems, etc.
- It is used in most businesses as modems, fax, out of band management application and phones.
Alternate solutions will be necessary to implement to replace all of the copper lines soon.
What Can I Do If I Need to Replace My POTS Line?
You’re at the right place. At POTS Replacement, we replace the telephone company with a wireless connection that will be better, faster, and more reliable. We provide all of the equipment, service and support to replace your out-of-date copper POTS line. Some benefits of working with us include:
- Fire Marshall approved equipment in all 50 states
- Simple rate plans
- Real time, central station monitoring
- An online portal to manage your services
- Easy self-installation options and a dedicated installation team for more complex installs
- All hardware and service is guaranteed and warrantied for the life of the term