Why Rising POTS Line Costs Are Forcing Organizations to Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are POTS lines getting more expensive?

A: POTS lines rely on aging copper infrastructure that is costly to maintain. As fewer customers use these lines, carriers spread maintenance costs across a smaller base, which increases prices.

Q: Are POTS lines being phased out completely?

A: Not immediately, but they are being de-prioritized. Many carriers limit new installations and reduce long-term support while encouraging migration to newer technologies.

Q: What systems still rely on copper phone lines?

A: Fire alarms, elevator phones, fax machines, medical alert systems, security panels, and access control systems commonly still rely on POTS lines.

Q: What are the safest alternatives to POTS lines?

A: Cellular-based POTS replacement is widely used for life safety systems. VoIP and hybrid solutions are also standard, depending on the application and compliance requirements.

Why Your Phone Bill Suddenly Doesn’t Make Sense

If your organization’s phone bill has gone up and no one can clearly explain why, you are not alone.

Across healthcare systems, school districts, municipalities, property managers, and multi-location businesses, POTS line costs are quietly increasing. There are no clear announcements and no prominent warnings. Bills are simply higher than they were last quarter.

This is not a billing error or a short-term fluctuation. It is the result of aging infrastructure, shifting carrier priorities, and legacy phone systems becoming harder to support. Many organizations assume they can deal with this later, but waiting often leads to higher costs and fewer options.

This article explains what is driving these increases, what still relies on copper phone lines, the risks of staying on them too long, and the most practical paths forward.

What Is a POTS Line—and Why It Still Exists

POTS stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. It is the traditional analog phone service that runs over copper wiring. These lines carry voice signals and are powered through the telephone network itself.

For decades, POTS lines were trusted because they worked during power outages, required minimal equipment, and were considered very reliable. That reputation is the main reason they are still in use today.

Systems that still depend on POTS lines today

Even as technology has moved forward, many systems still rely on copper phone lines, including:

• Fire alarm panels
  
• Elevator emergency phones
  
• Fax machines
  
• Medical alert systems
  
• Security and intrusion alarms
  
• Access control and entry gates
  
  

In many facilities, these lines are easy to forget about until costs rise or an inspection brings them back into focus.

Why POTS Line Costs Are Increasing So Rapidly

Copper infrastructure is aging—and expensive to maintain

Much of the copper infrastructure in use today was installed decades ago. As it ages, it becomes more costly to maintain and more difficult to repair. Carriers are dealing with physical degradation, fewer technicians trained to work on copper, and longer repair times. These challenges directly affect pricing.

Carriers are de-prioritizing legacy networks

As fewer customers rely on POTS lines, carriers are shifting their focus to newer technologies. Copper networks generate less revenue and require more effort to maintain.

With fewer users sharing the cost, the price per line increases. Investment slows, and service quality often declines as well.

Regulatory changes and tariff restructuring

In many regions, older pricing protections no longer apply. Carriers now have more flexibility to restructure tariffs, introduce new fees, or reclassify charges.

This is why many organizations see higher bills even when the base rate appears unchanged.

“Why Is My Phone Bill So High?” Common Cost Triggers

Hidden fees and line-by-line increases

Many POTS cost increases are spread across multiple small charges. These may include maintenance fees, regulatory recovery charges, or incremental line adjustments.

Individually, they can seem minor. Across dozens of lines and locations, they become significant.

Paying for lines that no longer serve a real purpose

It is common for organizations to pay for lines connected to systems that no longer exist. These might include old fax machines, decommissioned panels, or redundant backup lines.

Because POTS lines are not always easy to track, unused circuits often remain active for years.

Are POTS Lines Being Phased Out?

The difference between “phased out” and “unsupported”

POTS lines are not being shut off overnight. However, availability is not the same as long-term support.

In many areas, carriers are limiting new installations, reducing repair commitments, and quietly encouraging customers to migrate to alternatives.

What carriers aren’t advertising

What is often left unsaid is that repair times are getting longer, replacement parts are more complex to source, and service guarantees are weaker than they used to be.

For critical systems, these changes introduce real operational risk.

Risks of Staying on Copper Phone Lines Too Long

Reliability issues during outages and emergencies

While POTS lines were once known for reliability, aging copper introduces new points of failure. Weather damage, flooding, and corrosion are more common causes of outages today.

When failures occur, repairs can take longer than organizations expect.

Compliance and inspection challenges

Inspectors and authorities are paying closer attention to how emergency and life safety systems communicate. In some regions, outdated phone infrastructure is starting to raise compliance questions.

Even if a system still functions, it may no longer meet modern expectations for reliability and redundancy.

Modern Alternatives to POTS Lines (And How They Work)

Cellular-based POTS replacement

Cellular POTS replacement uses wireless networks to provide the same dial-tone functionality as traditional phone lines, without relying on copper.

These solutions are commonly used for fire panels, elevators, and other critical systems because they offer redundancy, monitoring, and faster deployment.

VoIP and IP-based solutions

VoIP systems use internet connectivity instead of copper lines. They work well for office phones, administrative communication, and non-critical systems.

For life safety applications, VoIP is often combined with backup power and cellular failover.

Hybrid solutions for critical systems

Many organizations choose a combination approach. Cellular solutions handle life safety systems, while IP-based services support everyday communication.

This balance helps reduce costs while maintaining reliability.

How to Know If It’s Time to Replace Your POTS Lines

Signs your organization should act now

It may be time to take action if your phone bill has increased unexpectedly, your carrier has issued vague service notices, or repairs are taking longer than they used to.

Another common sign is aging equipment that is approaching end-of-life.

Questions to ask before upgrading

Before replacing anything, it is vital to understand which systems rely on each line, what compliance requirements apply, and what level of redundancy is needed.

A clear inventory often reveals options that were not obvious before.

What a Smart POTS Replacement Strategy Looks Like

Audit first, upgrade second

The most effective upgrades begin with a full audit. This includes identifying all active lines, confirming what each supports, and eliminating unused circuits.

In many cases, this step alone reduces monthly costs.

Cost savings beyond the monthly bill

Modern POTS replacement solutions often reduce maintenance needs, improve monitoring, and provide predictable pricing.

Over time, these benefits add up, reducing both financial and operational strain.

Need Help Navigating Rising POTS Costs? 

If you are dealing with rising POTS line costs, unclear carrier explanations, or uncertainty about which systems still depend on copper, it is reasonable to want expert guidance.

Every organization’s setup is different. Some are paying for lines they no longer need. Others support critical life safety systems that require careful planning to remain compliant and reliable.

This is where having the right partner matters.

True IP Solutions  works with organizations across industries to help them understand their current POTS environment, identify which lines are essential, and determine the safest path forward. The goal is not to rush replacement, but to provide clarity and options.

Often, a simple conversation can help organizations understand what is driving their costs and what steps make sense next.