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POTS Replacement

Digitally transform all your POTS lines with POTS Transformation.

POTS line providers continue to retire plain old telephone service (POTS) infrastructure and support, drastically increasing prices year-over-year. Moving voice and data services that traditionally require analog devices and dial tones, such as POTS phone lines, security and fire alarms, elevator lines, and fax, is especially daunting. Now there’s an alternative. MetTel’s POTS Transformation simplifies the complexity and provides a cost-effective and seamless transition that transforms all POTS lines.

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Versatility

MetTel’s POTS Transformation supports voice and data services that traditionally rely on the POTS network and require analog dial tones such as fax, alarms, elevators, POS terminals, vending machines, ATMs, E-911, and voice lines—so you can safely digitally transform POTS landline functionality to cloud voice and data services.
Always-Up Connection

MetTel is a managed facilities voice network (MFVN) operator and provides the best POTS line replacement options. The POTS in a Box adapter connects to the internet via broadband, Wi-Fi and/or 4G LTE SIM. Wireless backup provides business continuity during primary network outages. Dual SIMs provide added fail-over protection, perfect for 911 call completion assurance.
Ongoing Management

From deployment to final POTS replacement, MetTel oversees the entirety of your POTS Transformation process, including professional installation, 24/7/365 NOC monitoring and support, over-the-air firmware updates, and break/fix support with emergency replacement.
Best Coverage

With our network equipment strategically placed throughout the country, MetTel provides access to all three major cellular providers with prequalification of LTE/5G coverage in your area. Cellular can be the primary connectivity if Wi-Fi or broadband are not available, or act as a backup in the event of primary circuit failure.
Turn-Key Deployment

MetTel makes deployment and ongoing management easy. MetTel’s POTS Transformation includes nationwide, professional installation and managed equipment to transition all POTS lines, POTS devices, and POTS communication to digital service.
Cost Savings

As carriers are retiring their existing POTS lines/analog voice infrastructure and support, costs are increasing year-over-year. Save money with POTS line replacement and stabilize fees by taking advantage of a fixed cost and an all-inclusive package.
Flexibility

Using our cloud-based platform, MetTel’s POTS Transformation provides flexible and seamless digital transformation that can be customized to fit any business need. We seamlessly migrate businesses from their current POTS network infrastructure to cloud voice and data services—reducing costs and complexity.
Reliability

Our POTS technology solutions are powered by low latency, high-speed networks that guarantee voice quality and reliability. With the latest certifications, MetTel’s POTS communication solutions work with even the trickiest of scenarios: alarms, fax, and more.
Scalability

Our POTS Transformation solutions scale with the growth of your business. Our services are elastic, which allows businesses to add or remove features in response to changing conditions. By scaling up and down as needed, businesses can ensure that their communications requirements are always met.

Case Study: Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage replaced its copper voice infrastructure with POTS Transformation to modernize and digitally transform its network across more than 2,000 locations.

“MetTel’s commitment, expertise and level of service are exceptional.”

John Wessman

Senior Director of IT

POTS Replacement Benefits

MetTel’s POTS Transformation supports specialty line replacement for a variety of analog modem communications. From ATM to refrigeration and farming applications and equipment. With HVAC and tower lighting control to access and call boxes, use cases are plentiful and the need to have reliable telephone service is crucial. With MetTel’s managed POTS replacement you receive improved security, faster speed of service, and a better customer experience. Additionally, it can save you money in the long run by reducing downtime. Key benefits include:

Multi-WAN Access

Connect to landline, wireless, and Wi-Fi
Dual SIM capable and multi-carrier access
Ensures business continuity, even during network outages
Prequalifies LTE coverage in your area

Turn-Key Solution

Largest inventory of managed equipment
Nationwide professional installation and experienced porting team
Project managed by certified PMPs
Acceptance testing at every site
OpEx pricing model

Fully Managed Service

24/7/365 NOC and AI-powered monitoring and alerts
Remote firmware updates
Break/fix with emergency replacement
Provides improved SLAs compared to TDM SLAs

MetTel Fully Managed Service

MetTel Fully Managed Service is a comprehensive telecommunications service for businesses.

It includes 24/7/365 NOC and AI-powered monitoring and alerts to ensure constant system availability.
Remote firmware updates reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
Break/fix with emergency replacement minimizes disruption to the business in the event of an issue.
Improved SLAs compared to traditional TDM SLAs, ensuring higher service quality and reliability.
Multi-WAN access, prequalification of LTE coverage, and acceptance testing at every site.

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POTS Replacement: Use Cases

POTS Transformation provides a wide range of uses and features to meet the needs of your business. Whether it’s replacing security systems using an analog phone line or providing point-of-sale connections, POTS Transformation has you covered. See how you can use the service for:

Digital Voice & Fax

POTS Transformation provides secure fax and voice services over an IP network. It's designed to handle high-volume traffic levels, so you can easily integrate it with your existing phone systems. Supported options handle all fax communications for both the legal and medical industries as well as, enterprise fax servers.
Fire/Burglar Alarms

MetTel’s POTS Transformation service has a number of compatible options to support outbound and inbound protocols, alarm monitoring companies and various panel types and panel programming.
POS Terminals

POTS Transformation enables multiple point-of-sale (POS) systems with a single connection. This makes it easier to monitor transactions in real time, allowing you to make faster decisions that can improve your bottom line.
ATM Machines

POTS Transformation service allows you to easily connect ATM machines, ensuring customers have access to cash with minimal downtime. Our secure connections also minimize the risk of fraud and theft, giving your business peace of mind.
Elevator Lines

Elevators often require complicated connections and wiring, but POTS Transformation provides a dial tone, always, ensuring compliance while minimizing the risk of accidents or malfunctions due to faulty wiring.
Vending Machines

Vending machines can be difficult to maintain, as each one requires a unique setup. However, with the POTS Transformation service, you can configure their operating systems and make sure they are always running correctly. This ensures that your customers will have a smooth experience when using vending machines.

Recognized as an approved MFVN by the NYC Fire Department

Under NFPA 72 fire alarm systems must be connected to the PSTN or a Managed Facilities-based Voice Network (MFVN). An NFPA 72 compliant MFVN requires a loop start telephone circuit, proactive support by the provider, and 8 hours of standby power. POTS Transformation supplies all of these features and more, providing an NFPA 72 compliant-ready solution for your copper replacement.

POTS FAQS

What is plain old telephone service?

Plain old telephone service (POTS) is the traditional analog telephone service that has been in use since the late 19th century. POTS, in telecommunication technology, is a legacy service that uses copper wire to transmit voice signals and provides basic telephone functionality with no internet or voicemail features.

Are plain old telephone service lines still available?

Yes, plain old telephone service is still available, but its future is uncertain due to recent regulatory changes, necessary copper line maintenance and the rise of newer technologies like VoIP. With the FCC’s order, support for POTS lines will go away; hence, businesses should consider POTS transformations and transition to digital solutions with advanced features.

How does POTS work?

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) works by transmitting signals through copper wires. It establishes a dedicated circuit between two telephones for the duration of a call, utilizing copper wires to transmit voice signals. When a call is initiated, the caller’s voice is converted into analog electrical signals by the handset’s microphone, which then travels through a network of switches until they reach the recipient’s phone.

What are POTS phone lines used for?

Examples of plain old telephone service lines include traditional landline phones used in homes and businesses that connect directly to the telephone network via copper wires. POTS landline phone services are also found in emergency communication and alarm systems, such as fire and burglar alarms, and elevator phones. Traditional fax lines and dial-up internet access still utilize POTS.

What are the advantages and limitations of POTS?

The advantages of POTS are:

POTS is reliable, especially during power outages, as it operates independently of electricity.
POTS service has been used for over 100 years, so it is widely available and almost everyone is familiar with it.
POTS service is used to dial 911 in case of emergency.

The limitations of POTS are:

Traditional POTS phone lines only support basic voice. It lacks video calling, messaging or conferencing that are common with today’s VoIP technology.
POTS lines can be more expensive to install and maintain due to age of the copper lines than newer technologies like VoIP—and the monthly rates continue to rise.
Analog-based POTS lines can have poorer call quality than many digital alternatives that offer high-definition calling.

How does POTS differ from VoIP or digital phone services?

POTS differs from VoIP and other digital services in the following ways:

Technology: Analog signals are transmitted over copper wiring in a POTS phone line, meaning their call quality is lower than VoIP/digital, where higher-quality audio is transmitted digitally over IP networks (internet, LANs, fiber).
Connectivity: POTS routes calls directly to the PSTN (public switched telephone network), while VoIP/digital routes calls over data network as the transport mechanism.
Features: POTS only provides basic calling, while VoIP/digital can support advanced unified communication features like video callings, chat, presence, collaboration and more.
Cost: POTS is more expensive for basic calling, while VoIP/digital service costs less (and offers more services) once the infrastructure is in place.

How does POTS replacement work?

The POTS replacement process begins with assessing a business’s specific communication needs, the existing infrastructure, and the types of systems they use, such as alarm systems or fax machines.

Then, businesses choose from various POTS replacement technologies that utilize existing wireless networks to transmit data. MetTel offers POTS transformations that digitize your network and improve operations. We offer ongoing management for your POTS replacement, which includes 24/7 monitoring and emergency replacement.

How long does POTS line replacement take?

POTS line replacement takes about two weeks to complete, although this timeframe can vary based on specific circumstances. For standard installations, a 30-day period ensures proper planning and coordination among technicians.

How does MetTel ensure the reliability of POTS replacement services?

MetTel ensures the reliability of POTS replacement services through the “POTS in a Box” adapter that routes calls via the data network such as broadband, Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE cellular. It provides business continuity during primary network outages. We oversee the entire POTS replacement process, including 24/7/365 network operations center (NOC) monitoring and support to address any issues. The service also comes with power backup to make sure calls can be made during a power outage.

What level of support does MetTel provide during and after POTS replacement?

MetTel provides professional installation of the “POTS in a Box” solution, which connects existing analog devices to a digital network, thereby maintaining functionality for essential services. After installation, we are available 24/7 for monitoring and support.

You may be eligible for a free trial of POTS Transformation!

Businesses with over 250 locations may be eligible for a free trial of MetTel’s POTS Transformation. Fill out the form to let us know more about your business and we’ll be in touch to discuss trial options!

POTS Transformation Resources

View All

Datasheet

POTS Transformation Datasheet

Case Study

JCPenney | POTS Transformation

Case Study

Extra Space Storage | POTS Transformation

View All

POTS Replacement

Versatility

Always-Up Connection

Ongoing Management

Best Coverage

Turn-Key Deployment

Cost Savings

Flexibility

Reliability

Scalability

Case Study: Extra Space Storage

John Wessman

Senior Director of IT

POTS Replacement Benefits

Multi-WAN Access

Turn-Key Solution

Fully Managed Service

MetTel Fully Managed Service

Digital Voice & Fax

Fire/Burglar Alarms

POS Terminals

ATM Machines

Elevator Lines

Vending Machines

<img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-6576 size-full" src="https://www.mettel.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NYC-Fire-MFVN-e1686141649352.png" alt="badge of city of new york fire department" width="100" height="117" />

Recognized as an approved MFVN by the NYC Fire Department

What is plain old telephone service?

Are plain old telephone service lines still available?

How does POTS work?

What are POTS phone lines used for?

What are the advantages and limitations of POTS?

How does POTS differ from VoIP or digital phone services?

How does POTS replacement work?

How long does POTS line replacement take?

How does MetTel ensure the reliability of POTS replacement services?

What level of support does MetTel provide during and after POTS replacement?

You may be eligible for a free trial of POTS Transformation!

Datasheet

Case Study

Case Study

Turning a Copper Retirement Imperative into a Digital Transformation Opportunity

POTS Transformation Without the Pain

Why MetTel?