Guides, checklists, and answers
to help you navigate the transition.

POTS stands for Plain Old Telephone Service — the analog copper wire telephone network that has been in place since the late 1800s. It matters because millions of devices still rely on it: office phones, fire alarm panels, elevator phones, fax machines, security systems, and more. When POTS lines are shut down, anything connected to them stops working.

It depends on your location and carrier. The retirement is rolling out region by region — some areas have already lost POTS service, while others still have a few years. Your carrier is required to notify you before discontinuing service, but the notice windows have been shortened in recent years. The safest approach is to act now rather than wait for a notice.

Only until your carrier discontinues service in your area — and you have no choice in that. Many carriers are also raising POTS rates significantly before retirement, so doing nothing often means paying more for a service you'll eventually lose anyway. Proactive replacement is almost always less disruptive and less expensive than waiting.

VoIP (Voice over IP) is one type of POTS replacement — but not the right one for every situation. VoIP works well for business phone lines that are connected to the internet, but it is generally not suitable for life-safety equipment like fire alarm panels or elevator phones, which require cellular-based solutions that work independently of your internet connection.

Yes — when done correctly. Code-compliant cellular communicators are specifically designed and UL-listed for fire alarm and life-safety applications. The key is ensuring the device is certified for your specific panel and that the cellular network provides reliable coverage at your location. FirstNet-capable devices offer additional priority during emergencies, which is worth considering for life-safety applications.

It varies by solution type, number of lines, and equipment involved. Generally, cellular POTS replacements involve a one-time device cost plus a monthly service fee per line — and most businesses save money compared to their current POTS rates, which have been rising sharply. VoIP solutions for business lines are typically priced per user per month and tend to be significantly less expensive than POTS. A free assessment can give you a realistic cost comparison for your specific situation.

FirstNet is AT&T's dedicated priority communications network built specifically for first responders and public safety. Cellular POTS replacement devices that run on FirstNet get priority access to the network — meaning they maintain connectivity even during major emergencies when commercial cellular towers are overwhelmed with traffic. For life-safety applications, this priority can be critical.

The right option depends on what your POTS lines are currently doing. Life-safety equipment (fire panels, elevator phones, emergency stations) needs cellular. Business phone lines and office systems are usually best served by VoIP. Organizations with both need a hybrid approach. Our free assessment walks through your specific setup and routes you to the right solution — no commitment required.