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In August 2022, the FCC no longer requires telco companies to maintain copper networks. This decision means that POTS, or plain old telephone service, will be a thing of the past in just a few short years. While this might seem logical at first glance, many people are concerned about what this will mean for them and their businesses. For example, POTS replacement is essential for keeping alarmed buildings safe and compliant.
What is POTS?
POTS is a technology that has been around for over 100 years. It was the first telephone service and is still used by many people today. POTS uses a copper wire to connect your phone to the telephone network. This wire is solid and can carry a lot of information, which is why it’s still used today. POTS is a very reliable technology, but it’s also prolonged.
POTS has been replaced by newer technologies like VOIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. VOIP uses your to make and receive phone calls. It’s much faster than POTS and offers many more features, like caller ID and call waiting. However, VOIP is not as reliable as POTS because power outages and bad weather can disrupt it.
What applications use POTS?
Businesses mainly use POTS for voice calls but can also use it for data applications. For example, some security systems use POTS to send alarm signals to the monitoring center. Additionally, POTS can be used for types of data transmission, including the following:
- Fax machines
- Credit card machines
- ATMs
- Alarm systems
Why are POTS being replaced?
There are several reasons why POTS is being replaced:
- It’s an ancient technology that is not as efficient as newer technologies like VOIP.
- Maintaining copper networks is becoming increasingly expensive for telco companies.
- The FCC no longer requires telco companies to maintain copper networks, so they can save money by switching to VOIP and other integrated technologies.
What does the switch to VOIP mean for businesses?
The switch to VOIP means businesses must find a new way to make and receive phone calls. Many small companies rely on POTS lines for their business phone systems, so they’ll need to find a new solution.
Many VOIP providers offer business phone services. These providers can give you a custom solution that fits your business needs. You’ll be able to keep your existing phone number and have the same features you’re used to, like caller ID and call waiting.
The switch to VOIP will also mean businesses need a reliable internet connection. VOIP uses your internet connection to make and receive phone calls, so it’s essential to have a good quality connection. You may need to upgrade your service for faster connection or get a new router to ensure that you have a strong enough signal.
Benefits of POTS replacement
There are many benefits of switching to VOIP for your business. Let’s look at a few of the most notable benefits:
Cost savings
VOIP is typically much less expensive than POTS service. As a result, you’ll be able to save money on your monthly phone bill and may even be able to get rid of your landline completely. In addition, VOIP doesn’t require any special equipment, so you’ll save money on that.
Increased productivity
VOIP offers many features that can help businesses be more productive. For example, you can use call forwarding to route calls to different departments or employees. You can also set up automatic call recording to listen to customer calls and review them later.
Improved customer service
VOIP can help you provide better customer service. With features like call forwarding and call waiting, you can make sure that your customers are always able to reach someone. You can also use caller ID to route calls to the correct department or employee.
Better scalability
Another benefit of replacing your POTS lines is that digital lines are very scalable. You can easily change phone lines as your business grows or changes. You won’t need to worry about having too many phone lines or not enough.
POTS replacement process
If you’re interested in replacing your POTS lines with VOIP, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to find a reputable VOIP provider that offers business phone services. There are many providers to choose from, so compare features and prices. You can also check into online reviews to understand what others think of the providers you’re considering.
Once you’ve found a provider, you’ll need to sign up for service and choose a plan. Be sure to get a plan that includes all the features you need, like call forwarding and call waiting.
You’ll want to be sure that your internet connection is strong enough to support VOIP before you switch. Test your internet speeds to see if you need to upgrade. You might also need some user acceptance testing to ensure everything works correctly.
Once you’ve chosen a plan and signed up for service, you’ll need to assess if you need any new equipment. In most cases, you won’t need anything further. However, you may need a new VoIP adapter if you have an older phone system.
Once you have the necessary equipment, you’ll be ready to switch your business phone lines to VOIP. The process is fairly simple and should not take more than a few minutes. Follow the instructions from your VOIP provider, and you’ll be up and running in no time.
You might have to reboot your router or make a few changes to your firewall settings, but most providers will have detailed instructions on how to do this.
Conclusion
Replacing your POTS lines with VOIP is a great way to save money and improve your business’s productivity. By switching to VOIP, you’ll be able to take advantage of features like call forwarding and call waiting.
You’ll also be able to scale your phone system up or down as your business grows. Be sure to research and use a reputable provider before making the switch.
