One of the most common challenges MSPs face when entering the POTS replacement market is device selection. On the surface, many POTS gateways appear similar: FXS ports, VoIP support, LTE options, and cloud management compatibility. In practice, choosing the wrong device for a given scenario can significantly impact reliability, compliance, and long-term operating costs.

PR12 and PR08-Pro are designed for different deployment realities, and understanding those differences is critical for successful projects.

PR08-Pro & PR12

PR12 is optimized for wireless-first, power-sensitive environments. Its compact form factor, integrated LTE connectivity, and ultra-low-power design allow it to operate independently of fixed broadband. Most importantly, PR12 delivers true 24-hour standby performance using a single, small battery—making it ideal for fire alarm panels, elevator emergency phones, and distributed remote locations. These sites often lack guaranteed power stability, and outages are not theoretical risks; they are expected events.

PR08-Pro, by contrast, is better suited for fixed infrastructure deployments. With higher FXS port density and reliance on wired Internet, PR08-Pro excels in environments such as retail chains, utility substations, and centralized facilities where broadband and power are already well established. It simplifies multi-line deployments and reduces per-line hardware costs when battery-backed independence is not required.

From an MSP perspective, the mistake is not choosing one over the other—it is assuming they are interchangeable. Deploying PR08-Pro in a site that requires battery-backed autonomy introduces risk. Deploying PR12 where multiple analog lines are required can limit scalability and increase device count unnecessarily.

PR12 & PR08-Pro

A successful POTS replacement strategy aligns device capabilities with site constraints, regulatory requirements, and service expectations. MSPs who standardize this decision-making process reduce post-installation issues, minimize truck rolls, and improve customer satisfaction.

In POTS replacement, reliability starts with choosing the right tool for the job.