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Plain Old Telephone Service Replacement - atlantech|POTS

Plain Old Telephone Service Replacement - atlantech|POTS

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.

Services delivered over POTS

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.

atlantech|POTS

atlantech|POTS is an all-in-one POTS replacement solution that combines hardware, software, connectivity, virtual POTS lines and remote management all on a single invoice. atlantech|POTS 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.

PIAB Cabinet with AOI Sticker

 

Benefits of atlantech|POTS

The transition to atlantech|POTS 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 atlantech|POTS can ease those concerns,” said Ed Fineran, president of Atlantech Online. “Once you switch your POTS services to atlantech|POTS, we believe you'll be both relieved and happy to discover they’re getting more features and more reliability at a lower cost.”

atlantech|POTS 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 atlantech|POTS. 

Tom Collins
Post by Tom Collins
February 22, 2024
Tom is the Director of Enterprise Sales & Marketing for Atlantech Online. He has over 20 years of professional experience in the Internet Service Provider industry and is known for translating technology into positive results for business. A native of Washington, DC, a graduate from University of Maryland (degrees in Government & Politics and Secondary Education), Tom is also a five-time Ironman finisher.