The FCC has created a mandate that all POTS (plain old telephone service) copper lines in the United States must be replaced with an alternative service by August 2, 2022. The nation’s copper infrastructure is being replaced by a more efficient IP-based network. There are currently more than 40 million plain POTS lines throughout the country. That copper infrastructure has become too expensive for carriers to maintain. Due to this mandate, carriers no longer have to offer or support them, which has also resulted in price increases for these services to encourage customers to migrate off the old technology. Also, with the new Kari’s Law and Ray Baums Act, POTS lines do not meet new 911 requirements.
What Does this Mean for Your Business?
You will need to be proactive and review your business to see where you may still be using POTS lines and come up with a migration strategy. Remember, phone lines are not always only connected to a phone system. Some can be used for elevators, fire alarm panels, postage meters, credit card machines and fax machines. Sometimes they were also used as an emergency backup in case your phone system was down.
What Is Replacing POTS lines?
The United States is not alone. The UK, for example, has also announced that it will have gotten rid of its analog phone lines by 2025. The same has already been done in countries all over Europe and the SIP trunk industry is estimated to reach a value of over $35.5 billion by 2030.
SIP Trunks can replace phone lines. Alarm panels and elevators can be updated to WIFI, cellular or radio options. Faxes can be handled electronically now, too. But, why are SIP trunks so popular all of a sudden? Well, the answer is simple, but it needs a little explaining.
What Is SIP Trunking?
SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol, and the word “trunk” in networking refers to a link that can connect multiple parties to one another at the same time. When used together, SIP trunking refers to the way the new, digital version of voice calling technology establishes a connection with the other end.
Installing SIP technology in your office will mean you get to make more cost-effective calls over the Internet to more people at a single time.
How Does SIP Trunking Work?
On your end, you’ll need to contact a SIP trunk provider, like DataComm Plus, who will be able to set up SIP trunks and add a gateway to your existing setup to allow your phone system to take in these new types of phone lines. The other option is to upgrade your phone system so that it is SIP trunk compatible. A phone system that can take in SIP trunks can be on-premise (in your office) or fully hosted (cloud based out of a data center.)
On the back end, SIP trunks use a packet switch network to turn your voice into packets that are then transmitted through the Internet to the other party.
Benefits of Using a SIP Trunk
With the need for traditional copper wires and all the analog infrastructure eliminated, SIP trunks are cheaper, faster and more flexible than traditional phone lines or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Flexible Channels
With traditional telephone calls, you need to install more copper lines in your building if you want to be able to make or receive more calls at the same time. It takes time, effort and quite a lot of money. On the other hand, increasing the number of SIP Trunks is as simple as making a phone call and sometimes the change can be put into effect nearly immediately.
Satisfied Customers
When you’re able to make and receive more calls, your customer service department will be able to perform significantly better too. Happier customers mean a better business and more sales for a successful 2022.
Keep the Same Phone Numbers
DataComm can also offer what’s called porting, which gives you the ability to transfer the same phone numbers you use with your PSTN over to your SIP trunks. For businesses who have already invested in advertising a particular customer service contact number, this is a very important factor in keeping that important main line. Also many businesses with old analog lines never had the access or ability for DIDs (direct inward dial numbers.) This means if someone calls your DID, it goes right to your extension and then, if you’re unable to answer, it will go right to your personal voicemail box for them to leave a message. With SIP trunks you now have the option of DIDs even for smaller businesses that might need a phone number specialized for the President, Human Resources, Events Manager or other team members.
SIP Trunking – The Future of Voice Calling
With so many countries, including the U.S., actively working toward ridding the world of copper lines, the message is simple – switch before it’s too late!
Here at DataComm Plus, we offer not only SIP trunks but fully hosted VoIP solutions that use SIP trunks for your full phone system solution. Also, DataComm can manage all of it and you can call our local customer service department that’s located in Southeastern Wisconsin. Contact us today at sales@datacommplus.com or call 262-784-2311 today for more information!
