How the Phaseout of POTS Affects Fire Alarm Systems

As telecom providers increasingly focus on wireless connectivity and the launch of 5G, analog system replacement continues to be a high priority. Unfortuntely as with many mission-critical applications, fire alarms, which require a fast, reliable and cost-effective connection, are at risk.  If you’re a telecom agent, VAR or solution provider in this space, understanding how POTS replacement affects fire alarm systems can help you find the right solutions for your clients.

Why Are POTS Systems Being Phased Out?
POTS, or Plain Old Telephone Service, is a legacy telephone service that uses copper wire to transmit voice signals. POTS has been in use for over 100 years, but is now being phased out in favor of newer technologies that are able to handle today’s connectivity workloads, offer modern connectivity, and are cost-effective to support. 

POTS compatibility with modern fire alarm systems is being phased out. This means that if your business is still using POTS, you will need to upgrade your fire alarm system in order to be compliant with the new standards. The good news is that there are more robust connectivity means, namely LTE, that are compatible fire alarm systems on the market and that can provide the same or better level of connectivity as a POTS system. So while the phaseout of POTS may be disruptive to businesses in the short term, it ultimately provides an opportunity to upgrade to a more modern and effective fire alarm connectivity system.

We see an aggressive transition to LTE networks which are rapidly displacing old-fashioned copper wires. The aging POTS infrastructure is becoming more and more expensive to maintain, and telecom companies are abandoning POTS networks in many areas. Businesses that continue to rely on POTS lines will likely face higher prices and irregular service as the lines degrade.

What Are the Challenges for Fire Alarm Systems?
Because fire alarms can save lives and are a vitial part of any building’s infrastructure, local fire codes and national regulations require a stable, reliable connection through which emergency responders can be notified in the event of an emergency. In the past, most systems relied on two POTS lines, which were the most reliable technology available at the time.

As POTS communications are being phased out by the major carriers, these technologies will become increasingly unreliable and may stop working altogether. To provide the same level of security, businesses need wireless networks that deliver the same level of security POTS lines used to provide.

How Does LTE Benefit Fire Alarms?
According to the FCC, LTE solutions have become stable enough to be used for fire alarm systems. In fact, LTE functions as a reliable connection for outdated POTS technology, but it also offers significant advantages for businesses of all sizes.

Wireless connections are less expensive to install and maintain, especially as the costs associated with POTS continue to rise. Carriers are also aware of outages almost immediately, minimizing disruptions to vital safety equipment. LTE-based fire alarm systems are also offer faster notification times, use a dedicated data network, and offer higher reliability.  They can be monitored remotely (which can be very helpful in the event of an emergency) and as a result, LTE is quickly becoming the preferred choice for new fire alarm installations and for those solution providers who have recognized the increasing risk of maintaining a POTS connection.