Am I required to do this?
Am I required to replace my POTS Line?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Forbearance Order 19-72A1 might sound like a big and confusing term, but it’s actually something that will affect many of us in the United States. This order requires that all POTS lines (Plain Old Telephone Service) be replaced with an alternative service by August 2, 2023. Let’s break down what this means and why it’s important.
Firstly, what is a POTS line? POTS lines are the traditional copper wires that have been used for decades to provide landline telephone service to homes and businesses. While they have been reliable, they are also becoming outdated as technology continues to advance.
The FCC Forbearance Order 19-72A1 recognizes that many people are now using alternative methods of communication, such as cell phones and internet-based phone services. Therefore, the FCC has decided to discontinue POTS service in favor of these alternatives.
So, what does this mean for you? If you still have a landline phone that uses a POTS line, you will need to switch to an alternative service before August 2, 2023. This could be a cell phone, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, or another alternative.
Why is this happening? There are a few reasons why the FCC has made this decision. Firstly, it is more cost-effective for companies to use newer technologies for phone service. POTS lines require maintenance and upkeep, which can be expensive. Additionally, newer technologies can provide more features and better call quality.
Another reason for the switch to alternative services is that many people are already using these services. According to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics, more than half of American homes now have only cell phones, and fewer and fewer people are using landlines.
While some people may be hesitant to switch from their traditional landline phone service, it’s important to remember that there are many alternatives available that are just as reliable and often cheaper. If you’re unsure which service to switch to, do some research and talk to your phone company for guidance.
In conclusion, the FCC Forbearance Order 19-72A1 is an important step towards modernizing our communication infrastructure. While it may require some adjustments for those still using POTS lines, the switch to alternative services will ultimately benefit consumers by providing more cost-effective and feature-rich phone services. BEC Communications specializes in POTS Line replacement in Orange County and Los Angeles.
