FCC Order Affecting POTS Services
As I reported in a prior blog post, Atlantech Online continues to see the unintended results of radical changes brought by FCC Order 19-72A1, granting telecommunication carriers (such as Verizon) the authority to abandon aging copper Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines. Business is losing access to the phone lines that provide service to seamless communication across critical applications like Fire Alarms, Security Systems, Voice, Fax, Elevators, and more.
Even where POTS service is still available, there are a myriad of challenges that affect business. Deregulation has led to a staggering increase in POTS line rates, ranging from 100% to 1,000%, compelling businesses to seek cost-effective alternatives. Prices are higher, but service has degraded. The decay of POTS line infrastructure translates to non-functional phone lines, compromising the reliability of critical communication systems. ILECs such as Verizon have a lack of interest in repairing legacy infrastructure, resulting in delayed or non-existent service calls adversely affecting businesses.
POTS in a Box
POTS in a Box is an all-in-one POTS replacement solution that combines hardware, software, connectivity, virtual POTS lines and remote management all on a single invoice. The POTS in a Box features include:
- Wireless connectivity that goes directly to the cellular network without traversing the public internet for higher reliability.
- an LTE device equipped with a SIM card, capable of providing analog services via analog connections on legacy RJ-11 ports
- Supports traditional communication needs like modem and fax transmissions, telemetry for meter readings, point-of-sale systems, and connections to security and fire alarms, as well as elevators.
- Comes with an optional battery backup so that any fire, alarm, safety, or elevator lines can continue operating until power is restored. As battery backup has minimal function, the LTE cellular radios built into the current solution are specifically designed to be a low-power draw to extend the life of the battery backup.
Benefits of POTS in a Box
The transition to POTS in a Box is not merely a regulatory or economic response but also offers numerous benefits. These LTE-based solutions do not depend on traditional telephone facilities and are often more resilient during adverse weather conditions. The cellular networks they utilize can often be restored more quickly than wired networks in case of outages. Additionally, the transmission of signals for alarms and similar devices is often faster than traditional POTS lines. From a cost perspective, these solutions are generally more economical, both in terms of installation and ongoing service charges.
“Landline phone service is going away. Understandably, this concerning to many businesses, but we are certain that POTS in a Box can ease those concerns,” said Ed Fineran, president of Atlantech Online. “Once you switch your POTS services to POTS in a Box, we believe you'll be both relieved and happy to discover they’re getting more features and more reliability at a lower cost.”
POTS in a Box represents a significant evolution in telecommunications, addressing the challenges posed by the obsolescence of copper networks and offering enhanced reliability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to integrate with both legacy and modern systems makes it an essential solution in today's rapidly changing telecommunication landscape. Contact Atlantech Online today and speak to one our telecom specialists about how to replace your POTS and analog services with POTS in a Box.
