POTS transformation reduces cost, provides enhanced functionality, and eliminates dependence on archaic copper networks.
Why Alarm Communication Modernization Can’t Wait
When a fire or burglar alarm activates, communication isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the lifeline that gets signals to the monitoring center and helps initiate an emergency response.
But many facilities still rely on legacy copper POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines for alarm panel dialers. Those copper networks are being retired across the U.S., and major carriers have publicly stated plans to exit legacy copper operations across most footprints by the end of 2029.
If you manage life-safety or security systems, now is the time to modernize the communications path—without sacrificing reliability, supervision, or operational visibility.
The Challenge: Copper POTS Is Too Expensive
Copper POTS lines have been the default communications path for alarm dialers for decades. Today, they’re becoming harder to keep in service:
- Carriers are accelerating copper retirements and service transitions
- Costs often rise as legacy service becomes less supported
- Repairs can take longer as copper infrastructure is deprioritized
Many organizations are faced with the retirement of traditional copper POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines. As telecom carriers have been in a years-long process of phasing out this older technology, costs have been rising, sometimes to as high as $1,400 per month for a single phone line. In addition, telecom carriers are decreasing the service of copper infrastructure, and have been discontinuing certain products as they retire their copper networks.
The Solution: A managed, Code-Aware POTS Replacement (MFVN)
DataRemote’s POTS IN A BOX® is an IP and cellular appliance designed to replace traditional PSTN/POTS lines for critical analog use cases—like fire panels, burglar alarms, elevator phones, emergency lines, and more—while delivering a managed service approach.
In fire-alarm and similar regulated deployments, the concept of a Managed Facilities-Based Voice Network (MFVN) is central: it’s a facilities-based voice service managed and maintained end-to-end to support reliable dial-tone style service for life-safety signaling.
How POTS IN A BOX® Works
POTS IN A BOX® is deployed on the network side of the demarc, providing the alarm panel (or other analog device) with the familiar analog interface it expects—while leveraging modern connectivity behind the scenes.
At a practical level, it helps you transition away from copper without forcing a rip-and-replace of existing alarm panels that were designed around analog dialing.
Key Benefits For Alarm And Life-Safety Environments
Nationwide Coverage
Designed to support deployments across the U.S. using cellular/IP connectivity (where coverage is available).
Lower Total Cost
As copper services sunset, organizations often move to a predictable, scalable model rather than paying escalating legacy line costs.
Cellular Failover and Battery Backup
Resiliency matters. DataRemote devices and safety programs emphasize power and continuity considerations aligned with critical communications needs.
Visibility, Control, and Reporting
Unlike traditional phone lines, modern replacements can provide better operational insight—health, status, and reporting—especially when paired with centralized device management. DataRemote’s Ara provides device management, diagnostics, notifications, and API-driven visibility—useful for managing fleets of alarm communication endpoints.
Standards, Regulations, & Compliance Certifications
- UL 864 Life-Safety Standards
- UL 60950-1 Prescriptive Standard
- UL 62368-1 Performance or Hazard Based Standard
- AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, FCC, PTCRB
- Conforms to ANSI and IEEE C2-2012
- NFPA 70-2014, 72-2013, 75-2013 compliant
- 933 Test compliant for E-911 verification