Kissing copper goodbye: Why now is the time to move away from POTS

The telecommunications industry is undergoing a major transformation and it’s happening faster than many businesses realize. Traditional analog services, especially Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines and legacy fax systems, are being retired. These copper-based systems, once the backbone of business communication, are quickly becoming obsolete.

Major carriers have already begun eliminating service level agreements (SLAs) for analog lines and reducing maintenance support. In some cases, they’ve announced full shutoffs, leaving businesses that haven’t planned ahead scrambling for alternatives.

If your organization is still using POTS lines, fax machines or legacy systems, it’s not a matter of if you need to transition—it’s when. And the answer is: now.

The hidden costs of holding on

Relying on outdated infrastructure creates risk. As analog services disappear, you may face:

• Unexpected outages

• Rising costs for repairs and line maintenance

• Security gaps, particularly in regulated industries

• Disruption of key business functions (e.g., alarms, elevator lines, emergency phones)

In fact, the FCC no longer requires carriers to support copper infrastructure as of the Technology Transitions Order passed in 2019. That move opened the door for providers to increase rates or eliminate support for legacy services without regulatory consequence.

Modern Solutions = Lower Costs, Better Security, More Efficiency

Modernizing your phone and fax systems doesn’t just prevent disruptions. It brings tangible benefits:

• Cost savings through reduced maintenance and streamlined billing

• Increased reliability with SLA-backed internet and digital services

• Improved compliance with secure platforms for industries like healthcare and finance

• Scalability to support remote teams, multiple locations, and future growth

At Verify!®, we help organizations assess their current setup and map out the right digital alternatives.

From VoIP migrations to cloud fax solutions, our team takes the stress out of telecom transitions.

Case in point: Upgrading fax for HIPAA compliance

One of our healthcare clients recently partnered with us to upgrade their aging fax infrastructure. Not only was the system costly to maintain, but it also posed risks for HIPAA compliance.

By switching to a secure, cloud-based digital fax platform, they achieved:

• 98% reduction in fax-related costs

• Access across multiple facilities and remote locations

• Enhanced privacy safeguards that meet HIPAA standards

This strategic upgrade ensured they remained compliant while dramatically cutting operational expenses.

What's new: SLA-backed internet from Spectrum

Good news for businesses looking for affordable, reliable connectivity: Spectrum has introduced a new internet option that includes a service level agreement—something rarely offered at this price point.

With guaranteed uptime and consistent service, this solution fills the gap for organizations that need both budget-friendliness and dependability. It’s another example of how the market is shifting toward high-performance digital services that support business continuity.

Don’t wait until it’s urgent

The copper sunset is already underway. If your telecom systems still depend on aging analog lines, delaying your transition could lead to unplanned downtime and escalating costs.

Our team is here to guide you. We’ll help you explore tailored options that make sense for your budget, operations, and future plans.

Take action today. Contact Verify!® to get started with a no-pressure conversation about your telecom needs.