What is a POTS line?
POTS stands for “plain old telephone service”: the traditional analog phone line carried over copper wire. Carriers are filing to discontinue it and retire the copper network. Check your ZIP to see the date on file for your area.
What still runs on copper
- Fire alarm panels that report to a monitoring center
- Elevator emergency phones
- Security and burglar alarms
- Fax machines
- Point-of-sale and card terminals
- Gate, door entry and emergency call boxes
Desk phones usually moved off copper years ago. This equipment often did not, and it stops working when the line is disconnected.
Replacement options
- POTS replacement device: connects to your existing panel or phone and carries the signal over broadband with cellular (LTE) backup, or over LTE alone. The equipment stays the same.
- Cellular communicator: a radio built for a specific alarm panel.
- Upgrading the equipment: replacing older panels or phones with IP-native models.
Life-safety lines such as fire alarms and elevators must meet local code and your fire marshal’s or inspector’s requirements, so confirm the option you choose is approved for that use.
How to plan
- Find your shutoff date with the ZIP lookup.
- List every line on your phone bill and what it connects to.
- Start with the life-safety lines.
- Schedule the switch well before the date. Carriers can give as little as 90 days’ notice.
Get a replacement quote
Tell us your ZIP code and what your lines connect to. A replacement quote shows what it takes for your building, or call 813-330-0301.