What is POTS line replacement?

POTS line replacement moves a device that calls out over a copper phone line, such as an elevator phone or alarm panel, to a new connection that does the same job. 5x5 replaces each line with the right combination of VoIP adapters, cellular, LTE, 5G and internet connections, with battery backup.

Why do POTS lines need to be replaced?

Carriers are retiring copper POTS lines and raising prices on the ones that remain. 5x5 replaces your POTS lines before they are shut off, so no system is left without a way to call out.

Which building systems still use POTS lines?

Elevator emergency phones, fire alarm panels, security and burglar alarm panels, water and leak sensors, emergency call boxes, and intercoms and gate and door entry phones often still run on copper POTS lines. 5x5 finds every one in your building as part of the work.

What happens if we wait until a line fails?

The system behind it can no longer call out. For a building that can mean an elevator entrapment with no working phone, a fire watch with the cost of staff on patrol until monitoring is restored, a failed or flagged fire inspection, or a certificate of occupancy at risk.

Can you replace the phone lines in our elevators?

Yes. 5x5 replaces each elevator phone line, confirms what it needs with your elevator contractor and local inspector, and tests every elevator phone before its POTS line is canceled. Requirements are subject to national and local codes and ordinances, and the local inspector decides.

Do we need a list of our POTS lines before we start?

No. You do not need a complete list to start. 5x5 finds every POTS line in your building as part of the work, including the lines for elevator phones, alarm panels, sensors, call boxes and entry phones, and what each one serves.

How do you make sure nothing goes offline during the switch?

Every system is tested on its new connection before its POTS line is canceled. Alarm panels are tested with your monitoring company, and the POTS line is canceled only after the system passes, so no elevator phone, alarm panel or call box is left without a way to call out.

Can replacing POTS lines lower what we pay?

It can. A telecom expense audit reviews the building's internet and telecom expenses, POTS lines included, and proposes a solution. Savings depend on each building's current services and contracts, and you see them in the proposal before you commit.

POTS line replacement

Carriers are retiring copper POTS (plain old telephone service) lines and raising prices on the ones that remain. 5x5 Telecom replaces the lines your elevator phones, fire alarm panels and other building systems depend on with VoIP adapters, cellular, LTE, 5G and internet connections, with battery backup.

Contact us today for a free custom quote.

Free custom quote. No obligation. Or call (866) 595-8353

Download solution brief

Why 5x5

Every line replaced, tested and supported

One provider for the inventory, the new connections and the support after.

We find every POTS line in your building and what it serves.
VoIP adapters, cellular, LTE, 5G or internet, with battery backup.
We work with your existing monitoring company. No need to change.
Every system is tested before its POTS line is canceled.
We confirm what each system needs with your vendors and local inspector.
US-based support team. First reply within 60 minutes.

Why now

Replace POTS lines before they fail, before rates rise and before service ends

Carriers keep raising rates on copper POTS lines and are discontinuing the service. Elevator phones, fire alarm panels and other life-safety systems in your building still depend on them, and when a line fails, the system behind it can no longer call out.

5x5 Telecom replaces your POTS lines before they are shut off. We find every line, replace each one with the right connection and battery backup, and work with your existing monitoring company. Every system is tested before its POTS line is canceled, so none is left without a way to call out.

Get a quote POTS line replacement brief

Download the POTS line replacement guide Copper line retirement guide Building owner services

Elevator entrapments
A stuck elevator with no working emergency phone.
Fire watch
The cost of staff on patrol until monitoring is restored.
Failed inspections
Failed or flagged fire inspections.
Occupancy at risk
A certificate of occupancy put at risk.

What we replace

Systems that often still run on POTS lines

Select any service to learn more.

Building and life-safety systems

Each line moves to a new connection, tested before the POTS line is canceled.

Elevator car phones moved off copper and tested.
Alarm signals keep reaching your monitoring center.
Panels keep reporting to your monitoring company.
Leak alerts keep getting through on a new connection.
Call boxes moved to a new connection with battery backup.
Entry phones moved off copper or onto the building network.

Around the replacement

Connections, savings and the building network, from the same team.

Move elevator phones, fire alarm panels and other building POTS lines off copper.
Cellular internet for primary, backup or temporary connectivity.
Find savings across the building’s internet and telecom costs.
Lobby, gate, garage and door intercoms on your building network.
One secure, managed network for all of your building systems.

How it works

From copper to tested replacement

One team from the first call to the support after every line is replaced.

Tell us about your property
Share the property and the systems you know run on POTS lines. You do not need a complete list to start.
Find every line
We find every POTS line in your building and what each one serves.
Confirm what each system needs
We check with your elevator, alarm and monitoring vendors and your local inspector, subject to national and local codes and ordinances.
Replace each line
The right combination of VoIP adapters, cellular, LTE, 5G and internet connections, with battery backup.
Test before cancellation
Each system is tested on the new connection, with your monitoring company. The POTS line is canceled only after it passes.
We support it
Our US-based team supports every system. During business hours, every ticket gets a first reply within 60 minutes. Outside business hours, including weekends and holidays, emergencies get the same 60-minute first reply.

FAQ