"We use these to replace legacy POTS lines, which have become unavailable or prohibitively expensive from the incumbent phone provider." 

— Ryan Cummings, VP of Technology and General Manager

Customer Overview

For more than 45 years, PoPP Communications has provided telecommunications solutions to small and medium-sized businesses in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. As a full-service provider, PoPP serves more than 3,000 business accounts and is known for its consultative approach, reliable service, and ongoing support.

As traditional POTS lines continue to be retired and become increasingly expensive, PoPP has helped more than 700 organizations transition to modern replacement solutions. Today, PoPP supports over 1,600 of their POTS Line services using Vola devices deployed across a wide range of applications.

The Challenge

The retirement of traditional POTS lines has created significant challenges for businesses that rely on analog communication systems for critical functions.

PoPP's customers depend on reliable connectivity for elevator emergency phones, fire alarm systems, burglar alarms, door access systems, fax machines, and other specialty applications. Each deployment presents unique requirements, making standardization and long-term support critical to success.

To continue delivering reliable service at scale, PoPP needed a flexible solution that could support a wide variety of applications while maintaining consistent installation and support processes.

Why Vola?

Many POTS replacement solutions on the market are highly packaged offerings that limit flexibility and customization.

PoPP selected Vola Networks because the platform provides the flexibility to build solutions around each client's requirements while leveraging PoPP's existing voice infrastructure, carrier relationships, and support processes.

The solution allows PoPP to maintain control over the client experience while reducing deployment complexity and operational costs.

One Platform, Many Applications

PoPP uses Vola solutions across a wide variety of applications, including:

• Elevator emergency phones

• Fire alarm systems

• Burglar alarm systems

• Door entry systems

• Other analog communication devices

Despite the variety of applications, PoPP benefits from a consistent deployment workflow and support model, helping technicians complete projects efficiently and confidently.

For many installations, PoPP utilizes the Vola PRO8-Pro and LM150 combination. The separate ATA and cellular modem architecture provides installation flexibility, allowing the LM150 to be placed where cellular signal strength is strongest while keeping the PRO8-Pro close to the connected equipment.

Additional benefits include:

• Support for up to eight FXS ports

• Flexible deployment options

• Integrated battery backup

• Advanced call processing features

• Reliable operation for critical life-safety applications

Long-Term Value

Beyond installation, PoPP values the long-term operational benefits provided by VolaCloud. The centralized VolaCloud management platform enables remote monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting, reducing the need for onsite service visits and improving response times. Combined with reliable hardware and service-friendly design, the solution helps PoPP control operating costs while continuing to deliver the responsive support its clients expect.

Result

By standardizing on Vola solutions, PoPP has built a scalable POTS replacement offering that supports more than 700 of their business clients and over 1,600 active replacement lines. The combination of flexible hardware, centralized management, and reliable performance allows PoPP to efficiently deploy and support critical communication services while maintaining the high level of customer care that has defined the company for more than four decades.