Introduction:
Change is in the air for businesses relying on POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines for monitoring and signaling. With the FCC’s release of order 19-72A1, telephone networks are required to sunset POTS line connections, paving the way for carriers to eliminate them entirely. As carriers discontinue offering discounted rates for POTS line resale, the cost of maintaining POTS lines is set to increase significantly. While many companies have already migrated to VoIP or mobile solutions, the phase-out of POTS presents a unique challenge for devices and systems engineered to use phone lines. If your security alarms or monitoring systems still depend on POTS, it’s time to explore alternatives and prepare for the inevitable transition.
Understanding POTS Lines and their Role:
POTS lines are copper-wired telephone lines that have been in use for over a century. Despite the phase-out, an estimated 36 million lines remain active. These lines serve vital functions in safety, security, monitoring, and essential capacities. Safety lines include fire alarm panels and elevator phones, while security and monitoring lines encompass burglar alarms and access control systems. Additionally, POTS lines are used for fax machines, point-of-sale machines, and other essential devices. POTS has been an easy communication solution for integrating operations and management systems, and it has been regulated by standards such as NFPA 72 and UL 864 for life-safety systems.
Reasons Behind the Sunset of POTS:
The gradual phasing out of POTS lines is driven by a combination of wireless and VoIP technologies that have reduced the demand for traditional analog lines. The expense and unsustainability of maintaining outdated equipment have become significant factors. The FCC’s enablement of carriers to phase out their POTS infrastructure reinforces this transition. Furthermore, POTS lines lack monitoring and remote management capabilities inherent in digital platforms, making them less desirable. Additionally, replacing sections of copper with fiber optic cables interrupts the flow of current, rendering the connection useless. With advancements in digital transmission via fiber optic media, the reliance on dedicated or dial-up telephone lines for connection to the Central Station has become untenable.
Our list of countries that have made announcements to phase out POTS includes:
- The Netherlands: turned off its PSTN and ISDN network in 2018. The country’s main telecommunications provider, KPN, made the switch to VoIP (Voice over IP) technology and shut down the traditional PSTN and ISDN networks as part of its efforts to modernize the country’s telecommunication infrastructure.
- Estonia: We are not aware of an exact date when Estonia turned off its PSTN and ISDN network, although some Press Releases indicate 2017. However, it is known that the country has been actively promoting the adoption of advanced communication technologies, such as Voice over IP (VoIP), and phasing out traditional PSTN and ISDN networks in favor of these more advanced technologies.
- Australia: In 2018, the Australian government announced plans to switch off PSTN and ISDN networks by 2023, in favor of the National Broadband Network (NBN). Articles
- United Kingdom: BT, the largest telecommunications provider in the UK, announced plans to switch off its PSTN and ISDN networks by 2025.
- New Zealand: The government of New Zealand has set a target to switch off PSTN by 2030.
- Denmark: The Danish government announced plans to switch off PSTN by 2030.
- United States: In layman’s terms, the original Telecom Act of 1996 required local phone companies to provide access to subscriber copper loops to their competitors at a fixed cost. This order releases local phone companies from the obligation to provide these loops to their competitors. This obligation ends on August 2, 2022.
Next Steps:
Embrace the Trikdis G16T Solution As the sun sets on POTS, it’s crucial to prioritize POTS replacement, especially for security alarm monitoring. Begin by understanding the timing of the POTS sunset in your geographical region and with your carriers. Take the first step by inventorying your existing POTS lines used for monitoring and other systems. It’s time to explore alternative solutions that meet the demands of the digital age and satisfy the FCC mandate.
Introducing G16T Security Communicator:
In this era of transition, the G16T Security Communicator with LTE-M is the ideal solution for businesses still relying on POTS lines. Seamlessly integrating with your current monitoring and security systems, the G16T ensures uninterrupted connectivity and a smooth transition. With its advanced LTE-M technology, this communicator offers reliable and future-proof communication for your safety, security, and monitoring needs. Upgrade your systems and prepare for the future with confidence by choosing the Trikdis G16T Security Communicator.
Conclusion:
Change is inevitable, and the phasing out of POTS lines demands our attention. As businesses using POTS for monitoring and security, it’s time to proactively seek alternatives and future-proof our systems. Trikdis G16T Security Communicator with LTE-M offers a reliable and seamless solution for this transition. Embrace the technological advancements, bid farewell to outdated analog lines, and equip your business for the digital age. Take action today.
2 Responses
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