As technology continues to advance in the world of telecommunications, there are still millions of residential and business customers who rely on outdated POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines that use analog signals over copper loops. However, with these systems quickly becoming obsolete, companies like VirtualPBX are helping businesses make the switch to more modern solutions and future-proof their communications. Connect CRE recently spoke with Justin Goodpaster, Sales Manager at VirtualPBX, about the importance of this transition.
Q: Are there still a significant number of businesses or individuals using POTS? Could they hinder efforts to phase out landlines completely?
A: Yes, there are still tens of millions of copper lines in use. Many businesses rely on them for critical systems such as elevators and fire alarms while a sizable group continues to use them for basic telephone service. Our focus is primarily on the business side through our AirDial product which is ideal for property managers managing multiple buildings.
Q: What factors contribute to regional differences in phasing out POTS from a regulatory standpoint?
A: The breakup of AT&T’s Bell System has resulted in various regional telecom providers such as CenturyLink and Frontier controlling different areas. This has led to varying timelines for phasing out POTS depending on location. In some regions like Delaware or Connecticut where providers have set clear deadlines due to lack technicians or equipment needed maintain physical lines; pricing also plays a role as telecom companies increase costs significantly hoping it will encourage migration away from traditional phone services . I’ve seen non-profit organizations paying over $1 ,000 per month just connect one line used by their fire alarm system .
Since 2023 when FCC deregulated public switched telephone network (PSTN), many providers have been eager exit PSTN altogether because maintaining aging infrastructure can be costly despite reliance IP-based networks today . Regional differences play significant role during phase-out process; states New Hampshire Connecticut only having single technician responsible entire state which could take week restore service if line goes down. This makes transitioning to modern solutions critical not only for cost savings and future-proofing but also compliance as fire alarm and elevator lines being down for a week is unacceptable violates local codes.
Q: Does VirtualPBX work with regulators on transitioning to digital formats, either individually or through industry groups?
A: Yes, our AirDial product has been endorsed by the FDNY and California Fire Marshal among others. Fire alarms and elevators are particularly important since they must meet specific codes that vary by county or state including requirements like backup power duration number of lines safety measures . Non-compliance can result in significant fines up tens thousands dollars for fire elevator systems .
Q: What concerns do regulators have regarding this transition?
A: One major concern is ensuring systems meet redundancy battery backup requirements; some customers have adopted solutions without these features such as single-line setup without backup power resulting in fines non-compliance . Regulators want ensure critical systems like elevators phones continue functioning during power outages ; if someone trapped an elevator both phone alarm must remain operational .
Another concern is network reliability; we’ve seen downtime incidents with AT&T other wireless carriers over past year so we provide redundancy through Internet connection usually fiber 4G additional backup option. If one network fails communication can still continue unlike relying solely on 4G SIM card which risky because cell towers fail service lost while traditional POTS lines aren’t foolproof – damaged telephone pole means no line at all . Overall modern solutions improve reliability but regulators emphasize need battery backups redundancies compliance safety reasons ; many customers come us after being fined initial solution didn’t meet these requirements so we not only comply exceed them customizable notifications informing stakeholders when emergency calls made unit switches use back-up battery power.
Q : Looking ahead five years , what do you anticipate the telecommunications landscape will look like in 2030 ?
A : Over next two three years expect increasing pressure from major providers like AT&T CenturyLink phase out legacy copper lines ; we’re already seeing this with AT&T raising prices introducing alternative solutions push customers off POTS . While it’s unlikely transition will be fully complete within five years entire regions will be well on their way shutting down PSTN networks forcing businesses property owners switch cellular IP-based services like ours .
For property managers and commercial real estate owners, now is the time to prepare. In some areas, businesses are still paying relatively low costs for POTS, but that will change soon—likely within the next two to three years. We’ve already seen full network shutdowns in other countries, including Canada. By 2030, I expect entire regions or even most of the U.S., to have completely transitioned away from copper-based networks.
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