Planning a POTS-Free Future

As alarm dealers, you’re probably aware that the days of Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) are numbered. It’s time to start planning for a POTS-free future, and here’s why it matters.

Why POTS is on its way out

Phone companies are phasing out POTS lines because they’re expensive to maintain and are becoming obsolete. This shift is going to impact many alarm systems that still rely on these traditional phone lines to communicate with monitoring centers.

What this means for you and your customers

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to start transitioning your customers to alternative communication methods. This isn’t just about keeping up with technology – it’s about ensuring your customers’ safety and security systems remain functional.

Steps to take now

1. Audit your customer base: Figure out how many of your clients are still using POTS lines for their alarm systems.
2. Explore alternatives: Look into cellular, IP, or radio communication options for alarm systems. Each has its pros and cons, so you’ll want to understand what works best for different situations.
3. Create a transition plan: Start reaching out to customers about upgrading their systems. Be prepared to explain why it’s necessary and how it will benefit them.
4. Train your team: Make sure your technicians are up to speed on installing and maintaining these new communication methods.
5. Partner with a forward-thinking monitoring center: Choose a central station that’s ready for this transition and can support various communication protocols.

The upside of change

While change can be challenging, this transition also presents opportunities. You can use this as a chance to:

• Upgrade customers to more modern, feature-rich systems
• Improve the reliability of alarm communications
• Potentially reduce false alarms
• Offer new services that weren’t possible with POTS lines

Remember, this change isn’t happening overnight, but it is coming. By planning ahead, you can make the transition smoother for both your business and your customers. If you need help figuring out your next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Emergency24. We’re here to support you through this industry shift.