How to convert POTS to VoIP

In most parts of the world, Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), also known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), are being phased out in favor of VoIP. This is leading to a rush for businesses to convert POTS to VoIP before they're left without service.

The transition can be intimidating for businesses that have extensive investment in their Private Branch Exchange systems, phones and other hardware, but it's worthwhile.

Why convert POTS to VoIP?

Businesses in the western world have little choice but to invest in VoIP as POTS systems are being phased out due to their limitations.

Copper phone lines aren't financially viable for carriers, so customers will have to upgrade. Even if your local carrier isn't pushing to switch off its POTS service at the moment, there are several reasons to consider making the move yourself:

  • VoIP services cost less, especially for long-distance calls
  • VoIP scales more easily, allowing you to add new numbers as needed
  • VoIP numbers are portable and can follow users wherever they are

One challenge of moving from POTS to VoIP is that many systems, such as burglar alarms and fire alarms, still rely on legacy technology. If you want to keep your old systems for now, you need to use a POTS-to-VoIP converter to unlock the benefits of VoIP without breaking other parts of your infrastructure. How you do this depends on the telephony provider you're using.

The VoIP conversion process explained

Many businesses are in the difficult position of having spent a lot of money on infrastructure, and replacing that infrastructure fiber would be expensive. You can make the VoIP conversion process a little easier by investing in a POTS-to-VoIP converter or an analog-to-digital converter.

This means you can start replacing your old analog devices with digital devices, so you're ready for the switchover when it happens. The PSTN-to-VoIP transition has been anticipated for a long time, and even wireless networks are paying attention to the adoption of VoIP, examining Voice over LTE options, including Verizon's EPIK POTS replacement device.

Systems such as EPIK serve as a POTS replacement, helping businesses transition to VoIP without having to buy multiple devices all at once. In the long-term, transitioning to VoIP could save businesses between 20% and 60% per line. It makes sense to start the transition now and gradually upgrade other pieces of your telephony and business communications infrastructure as and when you have the budget to do it.

Once you've made the move to digital, your business can take advantage of all-in-one communications systems and remote working tools such as video conferencing and digital meeting rooms. In today's global economy, it's important to be flexible and take advantage of communication tools to facilitate distributed working. With the right communication tools, your business can benefit from nearshoring, outsourcing or the flexibility of allowing employees to work from home.

To learn how 8x8 can help your business get ready for the great VoIP switchover, contact us for a free, no-obligation quote for telephony services.