Is your infrastructure quietly holding you back? It’s a question worth asking, especially when old systems are costing more than they’re worth. One of the most pressing examples? POTS lines. These legacy copper phone lines might’ve once been the backbone of communications, but today, they’re more of a burden than a benefit.
The Cost of Sticking With POTS
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) was once a technological marvel. Reliable, simple, and effective. But times have changed, and clinging to this old tech brings a lot of baggage.
First off, the cost. Maintaining POTS is expensive. The infrastructure is aging, which means service providers are pouring money into keeping it alive. And that cost gets passed on to you. Over the last few years, line rates have skyrocketed, particularly for businesses that still rely on POTS for alarms, elevators, fax machines, and voice calls.
Then there’s the availability. Carriers are gradually sunsetting support for copper lines. Some have already filed to decommission vast portions of their networks. That means repairs take longer. Parts are harder to find. And when something breaks, you’re at the mercy of a vanishing system.
And let’s not forget functionality. POTS lines don’t integrate with modern systems. No remote access. No automation. No data analytics. You’re left with isolated, outdated equipment that doesn’t talk to the rest of your tech stack. When you look at the bigger picture, it’s easy to see why now’s the time to explore real POTS replacement solutions.
What Are POTS Lines Still Powering?
Even if your main phone system is digital, there’s a good chance you still have POTS lines tucked into your infrastructure.
These lines often support:
- Fire alarms – Still required to have a hardline in many locations
- Security systems – Older panels are built to use copper
- Elevators – Emergency phones that rely on a physical landline
- Fax machines – Still surprisingly common in healthcare and legal settings
- Gate and entry systems – Where reliable communication is critical
This is where costs really pile up. You’re paying for separate lines with limited use, just to keep legacy systems running.
Why Replacing POTS Isn’t Just About Phones
Replacing POTS lines isn’t just about upgrading your phone system. It’s a much bigger move — one that strengthens your entire infrastructure.
Moving away from copper lines opens the door to modernisation. Systems that were once disconnected can now be brought online. That means easier monitoring, quicker repairs, and the ability to utilise cloud-based tools that reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
There’s also a lot more flexibility. Switching to options like LTE, fiber, or IP-based systems means you’re no longer tied to a single building or utility line. You can manage everything remotely, adjust settings in real time, and respond faster when something goes wrong.
And perhaps most importantly, it safeguards your operations. If a POTS line goes down today, there is no guarantee it will be fixed quickly, or at all. Replacing them now gives you control, before you’re stuck reacting to a sudden failure.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the thing about replacing infrastructure: the best time to do it is before you’re desperate.
POTS lines are disappearing fast. Regulatory changes are accelerating the shutdown of legacy networks, and providers are no longer required to offer analog services in many areas. That means you could wake up one day to find out your only connection to a critical system has just vanished.
And even if you’re not at that point yet, service reliability is already declining. Response times are slower. Service calls take longer. Costs increase while performance declines.
The longer you wait, the more you’ll pay, both in money and in risk.
Realistic Roadmap for Replacing POTS
You don’t need to rip everything out at once. In fact, smart infrastructure upgrades are all about strategy and timing. Here’s a high-level approach that works well:
- Audit your current lines
Identify every place you’re still using POTS. Check with your facilities, IT team, or vendors to get a full list. - Prioritise based on risk and cost
Start with lines that are most expensive or tied to critical functions like fire alarms or elevators. - Explore your options
Replacement might involve cellular-based systems, VoIP solutions, or IP-based converters, depending on your location and requirements. - Phase in the changes
Roll out replacements in phases. Test solutions in one area before scaling up. - Work with compliance in mind
Some systems, like fire alarms, may need to meet local code or insurance requirements. Always double-check before making the swap.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. The key is to plan smart, so you’re not scrambling later.
What Happens After You Upgrade?
Once you make the switch, you’ll start seeing benefits almost immediately. Your infrastructure becomes more resilient, systems become easier to manage, and you reduce the cost and complexity of upkeep. And most importantly, you free your organisation from being tied to outdated, unsupported technology.
There’s also a long-term gain in agility. As you move more systems to digital or IP-based formats, future upgrades become faster and cheaper. You can adapt as regulations, technology, and needs evolve, without needing a full overhaul every time.
Don’t Let Legacy Tech Set the Pace
It’s easy to overlook the hidden systems quietly draining your budget or holding back your capabilities. But POTS lines are a perfect example of how something small can become a big roadblock.
Replacing them might feel like a technical chore, but it’s really a business decision. It’s about future-proofing your operations, reducing your risk, and setting the stage for smarter, more connected infrastructure across the board.
Don’t wait until something breaks or support vanishes. Start planning now, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.