Verizon has announced its plan to sunset POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, which have existed since the late 1800s. This move is part of Verizon’s larger strategy to transition its customers to newer and more advanced technologies, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and 5G, which offer more reliable and efficient communication services and are less expensive for them to maintain.

The POTS lines were once the backbone of communication infrastructure in the United States, connecting homes and businesses with the outside world. They were used for making phone calls, sending faxes, and transmitting data. However, with the emergence of new communication technologies, POTS lines have become outdated and less efficient, and their maintenance costs have become increasingly expensive.

Verizon’s decision to sunset POTS lines will impact millions of customers who still rely on them for critical services such as emergency elevator phones, fax machines and alarm systems. This move has raised concerns about the reliability and safety of these services, as well as the cost of upgrading to newer technologies.

Emergency Elevator Phones

A critical service that relies on POTS lines is emergency elevator phones. These phones are required in most buildings to provide a direct line of communication to emergency services in case of an elevator malfunction or other emergency. POTS lines have been the preferred method of communication for emergency elevator phones because they are reliable and do not require external power.

With the upcoming sunset of POTS lines, building owners and managers will need to upgrade their systems to cellular or internet-based solutions, which offer similar reliability and provide additional features such as location tracking and remote monitoring.

Fax Machines

Fax machines have been a staple of business communication for decades, and many businesses still rely on them for transmitting sensitive documents. POTS lines have been the primary method of communication for fax machines, but with the upcoming sunset of POTS lines, businesses will need to upgrade to internet-based fax solutions or switch to email-based communication. Internet-based fax solutions offer similar reliability and can be more cost-effective than POTS lines, as they do not require a dedicated phone line. They also give people greater ability and functionality.

Alarm Systems

Many home and business security systems are still connected to POTS lines as a primary or backup communication method. This is because POTS lines are known for their reliability. In the event of a power outage or communication failure, they can still transmit signals to the monitoring center.

However, with the upcoming sunset of POTS lines, customers will need to upgrade their alarm systems to cellular or internet-based solutions, which offer similar reliability and have become increasingly popular in recent years. These upgrades may come at a premium, but they offer more advanced features, such as remote access and control, which can improve the property’s overall security.

Final Thoughts

Verizon’s decision to sunset POTS lines is a significant step towards modernizing communication infrastructure in the United States. While this move may cause inconvenience and additional costs for customers who rely on POTS lines for critical services, keeping up with the latest communication technologies and improving overall reliability and efficiency is necessary. Customers impacted by this change should work closely with their service providers to identify the best solutions for their needs and ensure a smooth transition to newer technologies.

For more than 45 years, Steadfast Telecommunications, Inc. has provided reliable and innovative telecommunication services to businesses across the United States. We offer customized solutions that fit the unique needs of each business, and our customer service team is available 24/7 to provide support and assistance. 

Contact us to learn how we can help your business stay connected and thrive.