09/09/2016
Central Security can convert POTS systems to new UL Approved Alternatives
POTS Sunset info
The FCC has granted a sunset to communications companies for analog phone lines, or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).
Effective January 1, 2017, communications companies will no longer be required to support or maintain analog phone service. All communications MUST be converted to digital by that date. What does this mean for you?
Most alarm systems communicate over existing customer telephone lines. That technology was developed long before digital telephone service, such as a T-1 line, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). There is a chance that an older system will not communicate once the phone service providers update their system.
Locations that rely on only DACTs systems will not meet code and will not pass fire inspection after January 1st, 2017.
Upgrading systems prior to January 1st, 2017 to a UL approved alternative will help ensure your properties and customers are protected no matter what happens to the telephone lines.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) provided the following information about the POTS Sunset during a recent conference about standards, regulations, and services.
No phones at the phone company: “With each passing day, more and more communications services migrate to broadband and IP-based services, leaving the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and plain-old telephone network (POTS) as relics of a by-gone era.”
DACTs Panels: Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter uses regular telephone lines to transmit signals.
Current UL Approved Alternatives to DACTs: Radio AES Intellinet, IP/GSM, Cell sole path, and IP Com sole path. (Also referred to as IP-DACTs)
Central Security can convert POTS systems to new UL Approved Alternatives
