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.
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.
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.
Outdated phones often lack the latest security patches, making them vulnerable to malware, data breaches, and unauthorized access.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.
Using outdated devices can prevent businesses from meeting compliance requirements like data encryption, secure communication, and updated software standards.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.
Phones are considered outdated if they no longer receive OS updates, security patches, or vendor support.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.
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.
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 Outdated phones have unpatched vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.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.