POTS — short for Plain Old Telephone Service — has been the backbone of business communications for decades. But now, the copper-wire technology behind these lines is being officially phased out.

If your business still relies on POTS for voice, fax, alarm systems, or elevators, this shift will impact you — and soon.

At 37 Connect, we help companies smoothly transition away from outdated infrastructure. Here’s what the POTS line sunset means for your business and how to prepare without disruption.

What Is the POTS Line Sunset?

In 2019, the FCC issued Order 19-72A1, removing the requirement for telecom providers to maintain POTS lines. As a result, major carriers are actively:

• Phasing out copper wire service

• Increasing rates to force migration

• Stopping maintenance or support for old systems

By 2025, POTS lines will be largely unavailable — or extremely costly to maintain.

Why It Matters to Your Business

POTS lines are still commonly used in:

• Fax machines

• Elevator phones

• Fire and burglar alarm systems

• Gate and door entry systems

• Legacy voice systems

If these systems aren’t upgraded, you risk:

• Unexpected service loss

• Non-compliance with local safety codes

• Downtime or emergency communication failure

• Increased monthly bills with no service improvements

️ Replacement Options for POTS Lines

Here are the most common and reliable replacements for POTS infrastructure:

1. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Great for voice communication, reception lines, and customer-facing phone systems.

• Works over your internet connection

• Supports features like voicemail-to-email and call routing

• Scalable and easy to manage

2. POTS Replacement Devices (LTE Gateways / ATA Boxes)

Ideal for non-voice systems like alarms, fax, elevators, etc.

• Uses cellular networks (4G/5G) instead of copper lines

• Battery backup included for power outages

• Compatible with most fire & life safety systems

3. Fiber or Digital Phone Services

For businesses already using fiber internet, some providers offer a voice add-on that works as a POTS alternative.

• No extra copper lines required

• Easier integration with cloud platforms

What Makes a Good POTS Replacement?

When replacing a POTS system, consider:

At 37 Connect, we match your legacy needs with the right next-gen solution.

How to Prepare for the POTS Phase-Out

✅ Step 1: Identify What’s Still Using POTS

• Alarm systems, fire panels, entry gates

• Phone or fax lines not yet moved to VoIP

• Remote site connections like warehouses or kiosks

✅ Step 2: Schedule a Telecom Audit

Let us assess what’s in place, what’s at risk, and where cost savings exist.

✅ Step 3: Choose Your Upgrade Path

We compare all available solutions — VoIP, LTE backup, digital line converters — and recommend the best fit.

✅ Step 4: Plan Your Transition Timeline

We’ll handle scheduling, installation, porting, and compliance testing.

Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Until It Breaks

The biggest risk with POTS lines today is waiting too long to replace them. If they fail — or your carrier simply shuts them off — the disruption could be costly or even dangerous.

Migrating early ensures:

• Business continuity

• Code compliance

• Modern features and reliability

• Lower monthly costs

Let 37 Connect Handle the Transition

As your telecom broker, 37 Connect handles everything:

• Carrier research and contract negotiation

• Replacement device sourcing and configuration

• On-site or remote support for upgrades

• Ongoing service management

No guesswork. No disruption. No hidden fees.

Final Thoughts

POTS is going away — but with the right guidance, your business can upgrade smoothly, save money, and unlock new capabilities.

Let us handle the switch, so you don’t have to stress about deadlines or downtime.

Need to replace your POTS lines?
Book a free compliance check with 37 Connect and we’ll help you prepare before service gets cut.