Ohio businesses still relying on traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines face rising costs, reliability ...
Ohio businesses still relying on traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines face rising costs, reliability issues, and mandatory migrations as copper networks are retired. Here’s how to prepare and protect your operations.
Why Copper Lines Are Disappearing
Nationwide, telecom carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and CenturyLink are rapidly retiring copper-based networks. With FCC approval, they’re phasing out this aging infrastructure in favor of fiber and digital solutions. That means Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines—used for phones, alarms, elevators, and fax machines—are becoming more expensive and harder to maintain.
The Pain Points for Businesses
1. Rising Costs– Many carriers now charge premium rates to discourage copper usage.
2. Service Disruptions– Sudden cutovers can cause downtime if businesses aren’t prepared.
3. Compliance & Safety Risks– Fire alarms, elevator phones, and security systems often still rely on POTS.
What This Means for Ohio Businesses
Ohio companies—especially banks, credit unions, manufacturers, and healthcare providers—can’t afford service interruptions. Legacy systems tied to POTS must be updated or migrated to VoIP, wireless LTE, or fiber-based alternatives.
Smart Migration Options
- VoIP Phone Systems– Lower costs, higher reliability, and future-ready features.
- Wireless POTS Replacement Devices– Affordable “plug-and-play” boxes that keep alarms and safety systems connected without copper lines.
- Managed Migration Support– Partnering with a local IT provider ensures every device, from fax machines to fire panels, transitions smoothly.
How Cloud Cover Helps
At Cloud Cover, we help Ohio businesses:
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Audit existing copper-dependent systems
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Transition to a better VoIP solution
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Ensure compliance for life safety systems
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Minimize downtime and unexpected costs
The copper sunset isn’t coming—it’s already here.
For Ohio businesses, now is the time to plan your transition. Waiting until your carrier pulls the plug could mean higher costs and bigger headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions: Outdated Phones & IT Compliance
What are the risks of using outdated phones in a business environment?
Outdated phones often lack the latest security patches, making them vulnerable to malware, data breaches, and unauthorized access. This can expose sensitive business information and create compliance risks.
How do outdated mobile devices affect IT compliance?
Using outdated devices can prevent businesses from meeting compliance requirements like data encryption, secure communication, and updated software standards. This can result in penalties or security failures during audits.
How can businesses identify if their phones are outdated?
Phones are considered outdated if they no longer receive OS updates, security patches, or vendor support. Businesses should regularly check device update settings and vendor lifecycle announcements.
What steps should companies take to replace outdated phones securely?
Businesses should create a structured device replacement plan, wipe old data securely, enforce mobile device management (MDM), and ensure new devices meet compliance standards before deployment.
Can outdated phones increase the chances of cyberattacks?
Yes. Outdated phones have unpatched vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Without current security updates, these devices become easy entry points for cyberattacks, phishing attempts, and data leaks.
Schedule a call with us to start the conversation and see what we can do for your business.
Ready to future-proof your business communications?
Contact Cloud Cover for a free POTS line assessment.