The short answer is never. There is no need to fall for the scare tactics; however, the copper sunset is real and prices are climbing as companies are updating their networks to newer technology.

There is still time to switch, there is more than one way forward, and we can help you find what works best for you.

Almost a year ago, two days into August 2022, the FCC’s order 19-72 effectively removed regulations requiring that telecom carriers provide universal plain old telephone service (POTS) coverage, and eliminated existing price controls in an effort to promote adoption of newer communications technologies. Some have mischaracterized the removal of this regulation as a mandated decommissioning of POTS and the copper-line networks that deliver it. However, there are will still remain millions of POTS lines that will continue to be delivered over copper-line networks for the foreseeable future.

Though the copper-line networks maintained by major telecom carriers are slowly being decommissioned, there are still millions of lines that continue to be serviced. For example; fire alarm systems, pools and elevators are all required by law to have phone lines, and the majority of these use POTS. Copper-lines deliver service to most fax and ATM machines, blue light public safety stations, door and gate access systems, and even some HVAC systems as well.

The continued prevalence of POTS lines in these capacities means two things for businesses: it is not uncommon to have a POTS line supplying connectivity to a mission-critical system, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for migrating to a different type of service due to the sheer diversity of use. For these reasons, the deregulation of POTS lines by the FCC has made switching to a different solution burdensome due to rising costs, more frequent outages and the sheer difficulty of deciding how and when to replace these lines. In the vast majority of cases, switching away from POTS will eventually have to happen; however, there is no need to rush as there are multiple options to choose from, and there is still time to plan ahead.

Keeping POTS is expensive

The removal of price regulation for POTS has predictably resulted in rapid rate increases for POTS lines. As contracts that were put in place before 2022 are expiring, new contracts are being signed in the absence of price regulation, resulting in much higher charges for POTS lines. It is not unusual for monthly service charges and associated fees and surcharges to total hundreds of dollars per line. Monthly charges exceeding $1000 aren’t unheard of either. Carriers are doing this in an attempt to incentivize customers to discontinue their POTS service. However, due to the functions of many of these lines, making the switch is often much easier said than done.

Switching from POTS is complicated

One big factor that impacts all types of POTS lines, regardless of their use, is the simple fact that making the switch requires installation of new infrastructure. The phone jack that supplies connectivity to a POTS line can’t simply start delivering newer types of service such as voice over IP (VoIP). Migrating a line away from POTS usually involves the installation of new infrastructure and wiring which can be costly. For some locations, new wiring may not even be necessary when a hybrid or private LTE service is available and meets local regulation requirements.

Haste makes waste, wait until you are ready to switch

Though the media sensationalism on the topic has created a false sense of urgency, the telecom carriers’ actual timelines for replacing their copper networks have made it clear that in most cases, it will likely be a matter of years, not months, before service is cut off to a given POTS line. The decommissioning is more like a hurricane than a tornado: you don’t have to rush away from your metaphorical house’s windows, and in fact, there is still time to board them up.

Switching to a POTS line billing consolidator is a great way to ride out the price hikes until you are ready to make the switch. Some of these consolidators can help to implement infrastructural changes needed to migrate away from POTS as well, by surveying the site and professionally installing the new wiring.

The takeaway

Though it’s probably clear at this point that August 2022 was not going to be the end of POTS service, if you have a contract with a major telecom carrier for this type of service that is set to expire, renewal will likely mean massive rate increases. The best way to avoid these jumps in telecom expenses is to switch to a POTS consolidator who can provide you with the same exact service with much better rates.

On the issue of switching, it is never too early to get started (unless you are required by law to use a copper line for a particular use). If your POTS service is going to be discontinued eminently, you should receive about a 90-days warning from the carrier, but it’s best to have a plan for switching long before that happens, as implementation of new infrastructure can easily take a couple months up to a year. In short, it’s best to plan ahead before you are rushed.

If you are interested in learning more about what options (cost optimization to making the transition) are available for POTS line replacement your business, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do all that we can to help you navigate the transition at a pace that you are comfortable with.