Even though copper landlines are quickly extinct, many buildings and businesses still rely on them for devices like elevator call boxes, fire alarm control panels, and fax lines. With telecommunication carriers charging more for POTS lines, it’s time to consider upgrading to a cellular or VoIP solution.
Cost
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With the aging of traditional landline networks underway, this is an excellent time to consider moving away from plain old telephone service (POTS). VoIP has several benefits unavailable with POTS, whether for business or home use.
VoIP is significantly cheaper than conventional phones, especially for long-distance calls. For businesses that operate internationally, this is a significant cost savings. Additionally, digital devices are scalable and can easily be adjusted to match changing needs without costly infrastructure changes.
Lastly, the technology runs over the Internet rather than copper wires which can be subject to outages and are more expensive to maintain. As a result, businesses can save up to 60% on monthly phone costs by making the switch.
Although many of the above points are compelling, some business leaders are reluctant to make total POTS line replacement options from TDM to VoIP, particularly for mission-critical communications. t is understandable, as the risk for a rip and replacement is higher in these instances.
However, a rip and replace can be achieved with the right solution. Integrating an analog telephone adapter (ATA) into the network to convert analog signals to digital, 2talk can enable a business to transition from traditional TDM to VoIP without a significant infrastructure overhaul. It allows for the cost savings and advanced features of VoIP while allowing for a phased approach that reduces risk and minimizes disruption to the workplace.
Reliability
Aside from voice phone calls, POTS lines are fundamental in many critical devices, such as elevator call boxes and fire alarms. If any of these become compromised, the entire network may shut down until professional service can be arranged. This downtime is unnecessary when companies invest in digital alternatives, like a unified communications platform.
Unlike traditional copper phone lines, VoIP or UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) systems can monitor and manage all endpoints on one network. It allows businesses to receive notifications of potential issues, ensuring all devices remain operational. It is a vital feature for small and mid-sized organizations looking to scale their operations with minimal hassle and expense.
In addition, many VoIP systems allow users to customize their phones with various features unavailable on traditional landlines. Some of these include a No Disturb mode, texting capabilities, and integrations with CRM software, all of which can help nurture leads, improve customer service, and create a more favorable business experience.
Considering how costly and cumbersome it is to maintain old technology, moving to digital services is an intelligent and cost-effective way for enterprises to grow their operations without worrying about additional expenses or downtime. With the FCC-mandated POTS sunset underway, now is the time for businesses to upgrade their communication infrastructure with a digital solution that will meet their needs and provide the reliability they need to stay competitive.
Mobility
As copper networks decommission, businesses will have to find alternatives. Traditional landlines are expensive to maintain and need more scalability. In addition, they are often susceptible to outages resulting from weather or neglect. These outages can disrupt business operations and lead to lost revenue, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
With a VoIP solution, you can save on your monthly phone bills while keeping your staff connected to clients. The system is also mobile, meaning employees can use their phones while working from home or traveling. It helps improve employee productivity and keep your organization competitive in the marketplace.
Unlike traditional phone lines, VoIP is hosted on the same hardware that powers internet data centers. It means you don’t need special hardware or a lengthy setup process. You can use your new VoIP service once you have a reliable internet connection.
While most businesses can save on their POTS line costs with a VoIP solution, it could be better for some businesses. Some devices, such as emergency phones in elevators and fax machines, require an analog dial tone. It is why some solutions offer a POTS-in-a-box solution, which provides the redundancy needed to keep these life safety devices and legacy fax services operating.
Scalability
If you still use POTS lines for business phone calls, faxes, and alarms, consider upgrading to a modern unified communications solution. UCaaS provides several advantages over traditional landline networks.
One of the most enormous benefits is scalability. VoIP systems run on the same hardware that powers internet data centers your company already uses to manage its online infrastructure so that they can scale much more quickly than traditional landlines. You can add new employees or locations without investing in additional hardware. Plus, most VoIP providers offer mobile solutions that let employees stay productive even when working outside the office.
Another scalability aspect is the ability to integrate VoIP with existing business systems. Unlike POTS, which connects to dedicated telephone networks, VoIP calls travel over the global Internet. It means that they can be routed to any location and device, and the call quality will remain the same no matter where your team is located.
Many businesses are migrating from legacy telephony to VoIP to take advantage of scalability and other benefits. Some are also taking advantage of the flexibility that a VoIP system offers.
