Why More Elevators and Alarm Systems Are Saying Goodbye to POTS

For decades, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) has been the reliable backbone for critical communications in elevators, fire panels, security systems, fax machines, and other legacy infrastructure. It worked over simple copper lines, didn’t require special configuration, and even functioned during power outages. But times have changed — dramatically.

Across the U.S. and many other countries, telecom carriers are retiring their copper-based POTS networks. Support is dwindling, maintenance is costly, and service disruptions are more frequent. For facility managers, alarm installers, and building engineers, this shift is no longer a future issue — it's happening now.

     Why More Elevators and Alarm Systems Are Saying Goodbye to POTS

Why Is POTS Being Retired?

Carriers are phasing out copper because it’s expensive to maintain and doesn’t align with the all-IP infrastructure of modern telecom. Copper wires are susceptible to corrosion, lightning damage, and physical wear. Moreover, POTS lacks the scalability and data capabilities of IP-based systems. The result? Telcos are offering notice: upgrade or be disconnected.

And in many areas, POTS lines have already gone dark.

     Why Is POTS Being Retired?

What’s At Risk?

This shift directly affects any legacy system still relying on POTS. Imagine an elevator emergency call panel that can’t connect to 911. Or a fire alarm panel that fails to notify emergency services during an actual event. In critical moments, every second counts—and system failure is not an option.

That's why the need for reliable POTS replacement solutions has become urgent.

     What’s At Risk?

Modern Alternatives: Smart, Battery-Backed, and IP-Ready

Devices like Vola’s PR08-Pro and PR12 have emerged as robust and intelligent replacements for legacy POTS.

• The PR08-Pro features 8 FXS ports, enabling it to support multiple analog devices simultaneously—ideal for apartment buildings, elevators, alarm hubs, and more.
• The PR12, with dual FXS ports and built-in 4G LTE, is a compact, all-in-one solution tailored for remote or single-line scenarios like ATMs, vending machines, or fire alarm panels.

Both devices eliminate the need for copper by converting analog signals into VoIP over broadband or 4G networks.

Power Resilience Built In

One of the strongest arguments for keeping POTS was its resilience during power outages. Vola has solved that.

The PR08-Pro and PR12 are equipped with internal battery backups, ensuring they continue to operate for hours when power fails. For extended resilience, PR08-Pro even supports USB-C power banks, turning an ordinary portable charger into a professional-grade uptime solution.

This feature is crucial for emergency systems like elevators and alarms, where losing communication is not an option.

     PR08-Pro&PR12

Smart Path: Intelligent Failover for Uninterrupted Service

In the real world, no network is perfect. That’s why Vola built Smart Path into both devices. It intelligently monitors WAN and LTE links, and automatically switches to the more reliable connection if one fails — without dropping calls or requiring user intervention. Whether you’re using fixed broadband as the primary connection and LTE as backup (or vice versa), Smart Path ensures your system always has a way to reach the outside world.

Cloud Control with VolaCloud

Hardware is only half the equation. With Volacloud, Vola delivers a centralized cloud-based device management platform that gives full control and visibility—anytime, anywhere.

Here’s what Volacloud adds:

• Real-time monitoring of device status, SIM signal, battery level, line activity, and data usage.
• Batch configuration and firmware upgrades across hundreds or thousands of devices.
• Event alerts for issues like low battery or disconnected lines.

It’s a true managed service environment, making it easy for system integrators, alarm installers, and building managers to deploy and oversee large fleets of devices with minimal overhead.

     Volacloud

The Future: From Analog to IP, Seamlessly

As POTS disappears, the future lies in VoIP, LTE, and eventually, 5G-based fixed wireless solutions. But this shift doesn’t mean replacing every analog device — far from it. Vola’s PR08-Pro and PR12 preserve your existing investment while enabling a smooth transition to the future.

These aren’t just POTS replacements — they’re smart, managed, future-proof solutions tailored for the modern world.

     PR08-Pro&PR12

Don't Wait for the Copper to Go Cold

With carrier copper retirement accelerating, it’s no longer a question of if but when POTS lines will stop working. Whether you’re managing life safety systems in a high-rise, elevators in a commercial building, or security systems in remote locations, the message is clear: now is the time to upgrade.

With Vola PR08-Pro and PR12, you get more than a substitute—you get a smarter, more resilient, and better-managed system.