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The Guide To POTS Line Replacement: The Best Options
With telecommunications providers phasing out support for Plain Old Telephone Service, or POTS, your business may be looking into the best POTS line replacement. Upgrading to modern communication solutions not only reduces costs but also unlocks a wide range of advanced features that can improve productivity and connectivity in your organization.
In this post, we’ll explore the best replacement options available so you can find the right solution for your needs. We’re located in Atlanta but we serve the entire US with VoIP and business internet services including Los Angeles, Memphis, Houston, and Miami.
Best POTS Line Replacement Options
As traditional POTS lines become more obsolete and costly, businesses across the country are exploring modern alternatives to maintain essential communication services.
So what are the best POTS line replacement options?
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): The number one POTS line replacement option is VoIP. All you need is an internet connection and an internet-capable device to start making all your business calls. Plus, VoIP typically comes with advanced features beyond the ability to make calls. Some top VoIP features include auto-attendant, voicemail transcription, call recording, video meetings, and team chat.
- POTS in a Box solutions: Devices like DataRemote’s POTS IN A BOX® provide an easy way to replace your POTS line. These solutions convert analog signals to digital, utilizing connectivity options like LTE, cellular, Wi-Fi, PSTN, or FirstNet. They can support a wide range of applications, like voice, fax, alarm systems, and data transmissions. However, they don’t come with the advanced features available with VoIP.
- Analog Telephone Adapters with Business Internet: ATAs can connect analog devices to digital networks through existing business internet services. This option is often bundled with unified communications services, providing a straightforward transition from POTS lines. However, it’s important that you assess the compatibility with specific devices, as some ATAs may not support all analog applications.
If you choose VoIP as your POTS line replacement, you have a number of providers you can choose from. Finding the right provider can get overwhelming, so here are out top suggestions:
- Nextiva: Our number one pick is Nextiva. It’s a unified communications solution that provides tons of features for an affordable price. In addition to voice calls, you can manage your social media channels, make video calls, and chat with team members. Nextiva also has some of the best customer service on the market so that you can get help when you need it most. Plus, Nextiva’s service is highly scalable so you can change and upgrade your plan as your business grows.
- RingCentral: RingCentral is another great POTS line replacement option. Like Nextiva, RingCentral is feature-rich with voice, video calls, team chat, and more. RingCentral is on the pricier side, but for businesses with complex communication needs, it can be worth the cost.
- Zoom Phone: If you love the user-friendly interface of Zoom Meetings, you’ll love Zoom Phone. This POTS line replacement is highly affordable with simple but functional features, productivity tools, and AI.
Why Replace Your POTS Line
Analog phone lines have been a reliable solution for decades, but as technology has evolved, so have the demands of modern communication systems. POTS lines are increasingly expensive to maintain and lack the flexibility and features that modern businesses need to communicate. In fact, as of 2022, telecom providers no longer have to maintain POTS lines. Even though they’re still functioning as of now, it won’t be long before analog phone lines are no longer usable.
By choosing a POTS line replacement like VoIP, you get tons of benefits, including lower costs, greater scalability, and enhanced functionality. VoIP systems can integrate with other digital tools, allowing for video conferencing, call forwarding, and other features that POTS simply cannot provide. Plus, because VoIP operates over the internet, it significantly reduces the cost of long-distance and international calls. Upgrading to a modern solution not only future-proofs your communication infrastructure but also enhances productivity and connectivity in ways that analog lines never could.
How to Replace Your POTS Line
Now that you’re ready to upgrade to modern communication, let’s talk about how to replace your POTS line.
- Assess your current setup. How many lines do you have and what are they used for? Check your existing internet infrastructure to make sure it’s sufficient for a POTS line replacement. You’ll need a stable, high-speed internet connection.
- Choose your POTS replacement. Research providers and compare plans based on features, reliability, and cost.
- Select compatible hardware. You may need IP phones, adapters, or a VoIP gateway. If you opt for VoIP, you can consider using softwares (software based phones that work on any device that connects to the internet).
- Set up your network. Make sure your router and network are configured to prioritize VoIP traffic to maintain call quality. Install power backup options to maintain service during an outage.
- Port your existing number. Contact your new provider to start the porting process so you can keep your existing numbers. This can take a few days, so plan accordingly.
- Install and configure the system. Set up your IP phones and connect them to your network. Configure call routing, voicemail, and other features through your provider’s dashboard.
- Test and train. Make test calls to ensure call quality. Train your team on how to use the new system.
- Disconnect your POTS line. Once your POTS line replacement is all set up, call your POTS provider to disconnect all your POTS lines.
POTS Line Replacement Conclusion
In order to keep up in today’s business environment, you’ll need to find a POTS line replacement that brings you into the modern era of communication. You can choose between a number of different options, like ATAs or POTS IN A BOX®, but our number one recommendation is VoIP.
If you need help finding a VoIP provider, you can rely on OneStop Communication. We’ll provide you with multiple quotes so you can compare providers and plans to find the features you need. We work with the nation’s best providers and help companies across the US with all their business telecom needs!
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