If you’re wondering how the FCC’s deregulation order will affect your telephone service, you’re not alone. As a result of the deregulation, the rates of regulated legacy services are no longer mandated, and this is expected to result in rate increases for traditional copper-based POTS lines in the U.S. Here’s how it could affect your company and what you can do about it. In light of anticipated rate increases due to the FCC deregulation, prices for POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines are expected to skyrocket. It’s important to note that the FCC didn’t mandate the retirement of POTS lines. But with the deregulation of pricing coupled with incumbents’ plans to retire their copper networks over time, it’s expected that traditional copper-based POTS lines will be phased out in favour of next-generation services in the years to come.

What are POTS lines?

POTS lines were first created to facilitate voice communication over analog copper cables, and it’s been the industry standard for decades. While POTS lines have a history of reliability and functionality, they’re also outdated. These days, the FCC is using its ruling to incentivize telecommunication carriers to invest in next-generation fiber networks, broadband and wireless technologies, which offer greater bandwidth and a wider range of communication options.

How can you avoid rate increases related to the FCC deregulation? 

While there’s no need to panic—after all, POTS lines aren’t going to disappear overnight—it’s a good time to start thinking about making the move to next-generation technologies. While you’ll avoid significant price increases, there are other benefits, too—particularly when it comes to modernizing your data and voice services. With a VoIP solution or cloud-based communication platform, you can support remote and hybrid workforces with increased speed and reduced latency. And with SIP as an underlying protocol—which delivers data over the internet rather than an analog phone line—your employees can do anything from send text messages to host video calls anywhere in the world, on a flexible, secure, reliable platform. If you’re not sure where to start,  Allstream can help you understand your options to make the transition to next-generation technologies for an improved experience and enhanced capabilities. Here are a few commonly asked questions:

How will these regulatory changes affect my services from Allstream?

The FCC deregulated the pricing of copper-based telecommunication facilities that Allstream uses for the provisioning of POTS lines. Allstream’s underlying providers have already increased rates for certain services, and the rates of other services will increase in the coming months. This means that Allstream is, and will continue to be, subject to increasing costs, and we will have to pass through the additional costs to our customers.

Will I be impacted by the FCC deregulation? 

If you have a Basic Business Line with Allstream, then you’ll see rate increases on your invoice, since those are imposed on Allstream by its underlying  providers. We will provide advance notice of any upcoming cost increase pass-through.

Are alarm and elevator lines going away?

The deregulation that applies to POTS lines also applies to alarm and elevator lines. While these services are not going to be retired all at once, rates are expected to increase.

What options do I have regarding my POTS lines?

Allstream has a range of next-generation voice services that can replace and support your enterprise telecommunication needs. Upgrading to these services offers an improved experience and unlocks additional product capabilities, along with competitive pricing. Want to find out more? Speak with your sales representative or account consultant, or contact Customer Service to discuss your options. Images: BrianAJackson/iStock

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