Category: POTS

The Impact of POTS Line Retirements: Understanding the Latest FCC Announcements and Their Implications

Posted on August 27, 2024 by - POTS

Introduction

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines have been a cornerstone of communication infrastructure for decades. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing shift towards more efficient and versatile communication systems, the retirement of POTS lines is inevitable. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been actively announcing and managing these retirements, prompting businesses to reevaluate their communication strategies.

Latest FCC Announcements

The most recent FCC announcements highlight a significant increase in the number of POTS line retirements. The latest data, as of April 11, 2024, shows that another 715,000 line retirements have been announced, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) total to 1,358,150. This represents a dramatic 434% increase compared to the same period last year.

Key points from the FCC announcements include:

  • Implementation dates for the retirements range from 2024 to 2025.
  • The number of notices issued has increased by 33% year-over-year (YoY), totaling 249 YTD.
  • Wire centers impacted have surged by 415% YoY, with 1,742 centers affected so far this year.

Summary of Current Data

To provide context, here is a comparative analysis of the data:

  • YTD Line Retirements Announced: 1,358,150 (434% increase vs. same period last year)
  • YTD Notices: 249 (33% increase vs. same period last year)
  • YTD Wire Centers Impacted: 1,742 (415% increase vs. same period last year)

For the same timeframe last year (January through mid-July 2023), only about 254,000 line retirements were announced. This marks a staggering 5.35x increase YoY.

Detailed Statistics

Breaking down the YTD summary stats:

  • By Month: The data shows a consistent increase in announcements each month, reflecting the accelerating pace of POTS line retirements.
  • By Carrier: AT&T stands out as the most prominent carrier announcing shutdowns this year, far surpassing other carriers.
  • By State: The southern states are the hardest hit, with Texas (TX) and Florida (FL) experiencing the highest number of shutdowns announced so far this year.

Impact on Businesses

The retirement of POTS lines poses significant challenges for businesses, including:

  • Operational Disruptions: Businesses relying on POTS lines for critical communication services face potential operational disruptions.
  • Increased Costs: Upgrading to new communication infrastructure can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Challenges: Businesses must ensure compliance with fire, e911, and life safety services codes while adapting to new communication technologies.

Case Study: Nordstrom

Nordstrom successfully transitioned from POTS lines to a more reliable and modern communication infrastructure, addressing the complex needs of their vast network of locations. MarketSpark played a critical role in ensuring the success of this large-scale project by leveraging their deep domain expertise and a holistic approach to POTS replacement. Through meticulous inventory assessment, site-specific planning, and the deployment of a dedicated project team, MarketSpark was able to tackle the unique challenges presented by each Nordstrom location. The result was a seamless transition that improved operational efficiency and ensured compliance with safety standards.

  • Locations: 339
  • Lines: 1,169
  • Use Cases: Fire Panels, Security, Elevators, Voice

Project Execution and Success

“When you have hundreds of locations and over +1,000 POTS lines connected to fire panels, security alarms, and elevators, you need a partner that not only has deep domain experience but is also committed to addressing the unique attributes of your organization.

Nordstrom assessed and tested multiple providers claiming to have expertise in POTS replacement. We ultimately settled on MarketSpark due to its holistic approach of assessing our inventory, defining our site-specific requirements, and its ability to deploy a dedicated, fully-managed project team from start to finish.

Project success was ultimately the result of MarketSpark’s high-caliber talent that continuously iterated its processes to address hundreds of locations, each with unique circumstances. The quality of service and project tracking made all the difference.”

– Enterprise Communications Group

What a Successful Migration Off of POTS Requires

To ensure a smooth transition away from POTS lines, businesses need to consider several critical factors:

  1. Understanding of Which Sites Are at High Risk:
    • Has the FCC received a notice regarding your location?
    • Has your provider raised your pricing?
    • Which locations should be prioritized?
  2. Fundamental Understanding of Your Inventory:
    • Locations
    • Number of lines
    • What the lines are connected to
  3. Basic Understanding of the Location of the Telco Room:
    • Above ground
    • Below ground
    • In a metal cage in the middle of a warehouse
  4. Project Management Resources:
    • Is your partner providing a dedicated team?
    • Have they addressed a project of your size/scope before?
    • Are they specialized in POTS replacement?
    • Will you have a digital, auditable file of the work completed?
    • What happens when problems arise?
  5. Platform Solution:
    • Does your partner offer a 24×7 platform?
    • Does it measure and notify you of critical parameters?
      • Signal Strength
      • Battery Power
      • Call Activity

Conclusion

For businesses facing the challenges of POTS line retirements, now is the time to act. Visit MarketSpark POTS Replacement to learn more about our superior, comprehensive solutions. Ensure your business remains compliant, secure, and operationally efficient with MarketSpark’s state-of-the-art POTS replacement services.

The retirement of POTS lines is a significant shift in the communication landscape, impacting businesses across various sectors. Staying informed and proactive is crucial to navigating these changes. MarketSpark is here to support your transition with industry-leading solutions tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your communication infrastructure today.

Analyzing the Massive Shift in Telecommunications: The Decommissioning of POTS Lines in 2024

Posted on April 26, 2024 by - POTS

In 2024, the telecommunications landscape is witnessing a significant transformation as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines, the traditional copper wire-based telephony, are being decommissioned at an unprecedented rate. This movement is primarily driven by major telecommunications providers strategic decision to phase out outdated copper networks, a trend that is particularly prominent in the Southern and Midwestern United States.

The Scale of Copper POTS Decommissioning in 2024: A Comparative Overview

In 2024, the telecommunications industry is seeing a significant overhaul, with an emphasis on decommissioning outdated wire centers. AT&T is leading this wave with 61 notices for decommissioning 863 copper wire centers. In addition to AT&T, other carriers are also part of this shift, with a collective 34 notices that are set to decommission 41 wire centers.

This series of decommissioning notices reflects a clear direction towards modernization within the industry, with companies phasing out old infrastructure to make way for new technology. The focus on these changes, especially in regions like Texas and other parts of the South, points to a broader initiative for a more advanced telecommunications network. Assuming the current trend persists, the next three years could see a significant transformation in the telecom sector’s infrastructure.

Impact on Enterprises: Navigating a New Telecommunications Era

The decommissioning of POTS lines represents more than just a technological overhaul; it signifies a fundamental change in how businesses communicate. Enterprises relying on traditional copper lines for alarms, fax, voice, and other services are now facing potential disruptions. This shift is particularly impactful for businesses that have not yet fully embraced digital alternatives, as the reliability and familiarity of copper are still valued in many industries.

Why Enterprises Are Affected

Reliability and Compatibility

Many older analog systems and equipment are designed to work specifically with copper lines, meaning expensive upgrades are necessary to maintain functionality.

Regulatory and Compliance Issues

Certain industries have specific compliance requirements that may be affected by the type of communication infrastructure they use.

Cost Implications

Transitioning to new technologies often involves initial capital outlay, training, and potential downtime, which can be significant for smaller enterprises.

Mitigation Strategies for Enterprises

As the industry moves away from copper, enterprises must proactively manage this transition to mitigate risks and capitalize on the benefits of modern telecommunications technologies. Here are some strategies businesses can adopt:

Strategic Planning and Assessment

Businesses should conduct a thorough assessment of their current telecommunication needs and infrastructure to identify critical dependencies on POTS lines.

Exploring Alternatives

There are numerous alternatives to traditional copper lines, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), wireless solutions, and fiber optics. Each of these technologies offers different benefits and may be suitable for different business needs. To explore cloud-enabled solutions tailored to your business, speak with a MarketSpark expert today.

Partnering with Reliable Providers

Choosing a telecommunications provider that can offer robust support during the transition is crucial. Enterprises should look for providers that not only offer modern solutions but also provide guidance and support during the transition.

Phased Implementation

Instead of a complete overhaul, a phased approach can allow for smoother transition and less disruption to operations. This strategy also allows for testing and adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

The decommissioning of copper POTS lines is a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications. While it poses challenges, particularly for businesses heavily reliant on traditional systems, it also offers an opportunity to adopt more efficient, cost-effective, and resilient communication solutions. Enterprises that plan and act proactively will not only navigate this transition more effectively but also position themselves advantageously in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Discover how MarketSpark can streamline your move to advanced technologies with our comprehensive POTS replacement solutions.

The POTS Line Replacement Revolution: Embracing MarketSpark’s Solution

Posted on September 5, 2023 by - Online Monitoring Platform, POTS

In the ever-evolving landscape of business communication, the retirement of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines is causing waves of change. As the dependency on analog systems fades away, the need for advanced, reliable, and innovative solutions becomes paramount. This is where MarketSpark steps in with a groundbreaking solution that not only addresses the challenges of POTS line replacement but also propels businesses into a new era of connectivity.

The figures are in, and the data is unequivocal – the retirement of POTS lines is escalating at an unprecedented pace. According to recent data as of August 24th, year-to-date announcements of line retirements have reached a staggering 259,050. To put this into perspective, this number has already exceeded the total count of line retirements witnessed throughout the entirety of 2022. It’s a clear indicator that the transition away from legacy systems is accelerating, urging businesses to take action sooner rather than later.

Navigating the POTS Line Replacement Landscape

The map paints a telling picture – purple circles mark the retirements in 2023, while gray circles indicate those from the previous year. What’s striking is the concentration of retirements in the southeastern region, with southern Florida particularly affected. This geographical insight highlights the urgency for businesses in these areas to explore reliable alternatives to their analog systems.

The MarketSpark Difference: A Solution for Today and Tomorrow

Amidst this technological transformation, MarketSpark emerges as a beacon of innovation and reliability. With their solution, the pains of POTS line replacement can be alleviated while propelling your business into the digital future. What sets MarketSpark apart is their comprehensive approach, addressing not only the retirement of POTS lines but also the intricate web of interconnected systems that depend on them.

A Glimpse into MarketSpark’s Solution

Command Center Platform

MarketSpark’s solution is anchored by a Command Center Platform, offering a centralized hub for managing the entire transition process.

24×7 System Performance

The transition doesn’t end with installation. With continuous performance monitoring, MarketSpark ensures that your communications infrastructure is optimized and dependable.

Measurement & Notification

Real-time insights empower you with data-driven decisions, enhancing your control over the entire ecosystem.

Fully-Managed Service

The complexity of the transition process is expertly handled by MarketSpark, leaving you free to focus on your core business operations.

Empowering Business Continuity in the Digital Age

In a world where connectivity and communication are the cornerstones of business operations, the retirement of POTS lines can’t be ignored. With MarketSpark’s solution, you’re not just replacing outdated systems – you’re future-proofing your communication infrastructure. The year 2023 has shown us that the old ways are rapidly fading, making room for a new era of innovative and reliable communication solutions.

Take Action Today

Don’t be caught off guard by the retirement of POTS lines. Embrace the future with confidence, knowing that MarketSpark has your back. Explore the possibilities, discover the technical advantages, and make an informed decision for your business. The time for action is now.

Learn More about MarketSpark’s POTS Line Replacement Solution and embark on a seamless journey into the era of dependable, digital communication. Ready to Future-Proof Your Communication Infrastructure? Contact Us Today to Learn How MarketSpark Can Transform Your Business Connectivity.

More information: https://www.fcc.gov/wireline-competition/general/section-251-wireline-network-changes

MarketSpark, the Industry Standard for Enterprise POTS Replacement Available for T-Mobile for Business Customers

Posted on June 7, 2023 by - Patnerships, POTS

MarketSpark announced today that T-Mobile for Business now features its flagship M2 Enterprise solution, a fully-managed service enabling large enterprises to migrate away from rapidly deprecating POTS lines, as part of T-Mobile’s IoT portfolio.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – MarketSpark, Inc., the nation’s largest company dedicated exclusively to enterprise POTS replacement, today announced that T-Mobile for Business is offering its M2 Enterprise POTS Replacement Platform. The M2 platform is a software-driven solution that supplants traditional POTS lines, providing compliant connectivity for critical life-safety services including fire panels, burglar alarms and elevators.

More than 30 million analog copper-wire lines connected to 6 million commercial buildings are being deprecated as wireless providers introduce next generation networks to replace this 100-year-old technology. The retirement of copper networks will increasingly challenge large enterprises with multiple locations to coordinate smooth and timely transition for their sites to maintain critical infrastructure including fire alarm panels, security systems, elevators, fax machines, building access systems and more. Life-safety systems can’t be migrated to simplistic VoIP services because they lack the redundancy and performance measurement insights necessary for compliance with local regulations. To complicate matters, the monthly cost of copper POTS lines is escalating rapidly as the user base shrinks and reliability is declining as carriers shift resources to replacement technologies.

MarketSpark provides large enterprises with a fully-managed service for POTS migration, combining best-in-class hardware with extensive pre-configuration, testing and project deployment services to deliver the highest level of acceptance from connected life-safety systems. When combined with T-Mobile’s nationwide coverage for reliable transport, the solution delivers superior performance and improved reliability over deprecating copper by leveraging smart remote diagnostics via an online portal. The service includes 24×7 performance measurement and automated notifications, minimizing expensive “truck rolls” and lowering incident response time.

“POTS replacement for large enterprises requires a combination of best-in-class hardware, smart software and specialized processes to address site-specific use cases that are common in organizations that have dozens, hundreds or thousands of discrete locations,” said Jeff Gower, Chief Executive Officer at MarketSpark. “We are excited to have a telecommunications leader such as T-Mobile for Business raising awareness of the copper network end of life and sharing the MarketSpark solution with its large and rapidly growing enterprise customer base.”

For more information on the M2 from T-Mobile for Business, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot/pots-phone-network/marketspark

Say goodbye to POTS.

Posted on May 4, 2023 by - Patnerships, POTS, Uncategorized

Wireless takes over: Act now to transform your business.

Join our webinar. 

Tuesday, May 23, 12PM ET 

As carriers continue to accelerate plans to decommission POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) at a rapid pace, well prepared companies are overcoming challenges by leveraging simple yet comprehensive solutions. This webinar focuses on how forward-looking enterprises are attacking the copper retirement problem by leveraging highly scalable and reliable wireless solutions that increase redundancy while delivering real-time platform insights that streamline business operations. 

You’ll hear from industry experts at Verizon and MarketSpark on: 

  • Tools that help enterprises predict which of their locations are at risk 
  • How abrupt price increases are driving large enterprises to prioritize network migration 
  • Common challenges multi-site organizations face as POTS decommissioning accelerates 
  • The benefits and peace of mind that come with enterprise grade POTS replacement solutions 

Register now to learn why making the right call about your POTS migration may be your most important call of all. 

Register Here

Speakers

Wood to lead the Development of the Verizon Partnership for MarketSpark focusing on Global Enterprise and Public Sector

Posted on March 21, 2023 by - Patnerships, POTS

SAN DIEGO, CA. – MarketSpark, Inc. today appointed Michael Wood to the role of Chief of Carrier Strategy and Business Development for the Verizon channel. In his new role, he will lead the development of MarketSpark’s growth covering both Global Enterprise and Public Sector.

In his 17+ years at Verizon, Wood served in a variety of management and leadership roles, most recently as Verizon Director of Enterprise sales leading a team of 50 sales professionals and 7 sales leaders supporting hundreds of accounts across North America. Wood also previously led teams responsible for strategic accounts including IOT Sales and B2B Marketing and Operations.

“Wood’s background, deep relationships and expertise supporting many of Verizon’s largest enterprise and public sector accounts will help strengthen our partnership and enhance our market position as the premier next-generation POTS solution provider for large enterprises,” said Jeff Gower, Chief Executive Officer, MarketSpark. “Michael is the right person to lead and grow our Verizon Global Enterprise and Public Sector business to build on the incredible momentum we have jointly built with Verizon.” 

During his tenure at Verizon, Wood built large teams accountable for delivering significant market share, subscriber, and revenue growth while creating high satisfaction for our customers. “I’ve worked with my teams and our customers to identify key challenges, strategize custom solutions, and set my customers up with the technological roadmap they need for success,” said Wood.  

Wood earned a Business of Science and Business Administration in both Economics and Marketing from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. He is committed to supporting children in need as a Volunteer/Organizer of the Feed My Starving Children Non-Profit Organization, which is dedicated to eliminating starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in people to hear and respond to the cries of those in need.  He also supports the Evans Scholar foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Glenview, Illinois that provides full tuition and housing college scholarships to golf caddies.  

You can reach Michael direct at: michael.wood@marketspark.com

Why your provider may discourage POTS line replacement

Posted on August 26, 2021 by - POTS

As the old saying goes, “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

Which is exactly how some of the bigger, older, TELCOs are treating the decommissioning of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, the analog copper infrastructure that runs everything from landlines to your fire and burglar alarms, faxes, elevators and point of sale systems.

In 2017 the FCC ruled it was ok for TELCOs to end their service for these lines if they provided an adequate alternative. And while the first iteration of change was the delivery of VoIP technology to replace landlines, getting rid of copper lines has become a priority for all TELCOs, especially among their business customers. But this poses a dilemma.

For years, some of the larger companies have made a killing by charging exorbitant sums to service POTS and since they don’t relish giving up the excess fees, their incentives are misaligned as they offer options for replacement.

Make no mistake, replacement must happen as TELCOs are accelerating their decommissioning across the country. So, even though you may not be interested in POTS replacement, POTS replacement is interested in you. There are essentially three options.

The three options for POTS replacement

First, stick with your POTS for as long as you can – this is the “see no evil” option. Here your TELCO will tell you there’s no rush, change is coming but you have time to wait. This is the preferred option for many providers since it allows them to continue overcharging you while they prepare for option two.

Replace your POTS with fiber. This is the “swat a fly with a sledgehammer” option, also a very good option for your provider because it allows them to lock you into long term, super expensive contracts with capability you don’t need and will never fully use.

Then there’s the third and least attractive option for some TELCOs since it will reduce their bill by at least 50%. It’s the “just right” option and it means replacing your POTS with a 5G/LTE wireless solution.

The advantage of working with a specialist

This is the approach MarketSpark and our partners have chosen since it saves our customers on both CapEx and OpEx while future proofing their business. It’s a proven approach, applicable for all life safety systems, deployed in all top 50 metros and among dozens of Fortune 500 companies.

And unlike a fiber solution the wireless solution can be customized to your particular needs. Which is why some TELCOs will argue against its usage and disparage specialists like us.

As a a managed service provider, MarketSpark handles everything bundling hardware, software, service fees and taxes into one low fee per line, delivered in one simple bill making the management of your TELCO service simpler than ever as well.

The solution comes with our cloud enabled command center providing unprecedented visibility into the status of all your lines and services 24/7. Since many older TELCOs have been charging you for lines you don’t use anymore, this increased transparency is an additional benefit to the solution.

So, take a look at a 5g/LTE solution for your enterprise, as it turns out, there are more tools in the toolbox than a hammer, and everything is not a nail.

For more information visit marketspark.com

Groundbreaking Hyperion partnership

Posted on May 6, 2021 by - Patnerships, POTS

MarketSpark partners with Hyperion, the leading full-service, business development master agent, to help enterprises transition to LTE/5G networks. 

LAS VEGAS (May 4, 2021) – MarketSpark, the nationwide leader focusing exclusively on helping enterprises migrate legacy analog equipment off of costly copper lines to a redundant LTE/5G network with online monitoring capability, has partnered with Hyperion Partners, the leading full-service business development master agent to accelerate network transition in the Fortune 1000.

MarketSpark aims to save enterprises money by improving their connectivity reliability with LTE connections. The company helps enterprises transition to a future-proof communication strategy to protect from FCC mandated shutdown. 

MarketSpark’s solution, POTS replacement, increases safety and robustness of enterprise networks while eliminating dependency on traditional carriers for analog POTS lines. POTS replacement solutions apply to fire, alarm, voice, elevator, fax, blue light, point of sale, modem/out of band management, security gate/door access, panic button, meter reading, SCADA applications and internet backup. 

On Hyperion’s search for innovative, forward-thinking telecom solutions to add to its growing solutions portfolio, the company found MarketSpark. The fully managed POTS replacement solutions seemed to be the perfect fit. Now, MarketSpark and Hyperion have entered into a mutually beneficial partnership, and both companies are excited to reach new vertical markets together. 

Vice President of Portfolio Leo Zeltser says, “At Hyperion, we are proud of our client-first mindset. By introducing MarketSpark’s POTS replacement to our network, we will prepare each customer for the future of telecommunication and save them time and money along the way.” 

“As the decommissioning of POTS lines accelerates, enterprises want a turnkey approach to migrate all remaining POTS lines to a more reliable and redundant solution,” says MarketSpark Chief Revenue Officer Robert Kulewicz. “Our new partnership with Hyperion expands our reach to Fortune 1000 companies with a scalable, 5G-ready solution that solves the POTS problem, reduces costs by 20%-50% and opens the door to a host of network transformation options from wireless failover to primary broadband over LTE/5G.” 

About Hyperion 

Hyperion is a full-service business development master agent specializing in telecommunications. We focus on adding value for partners and have exclusive access to several disruptive technologies that make our bundled solutions more attractive. Acting as a consultant to our partners and clients, we ensure customers receive the most practical, affordable, and complete solution possible. Hyperion has a wide footprint in businesses of all sizes, offering dedicated care and technical support through the ordering, activation, and implementation processes. To learn more visit hyperionpartners.net. 

About MarketSpark 

MarketSpark is the leading provider of analog replacement solutions for the enterprise. Our cloud-enabled platform helps companies escape from the world of yesterday and prepare for the world of tomorrow by replacing static, costly copper telephone lines (POTS) with a managed wireless solution that is 5G ready. MarketSpark is the only MSP in the telecom space purpose built to handle analog line replacement on a global scale. Whether retrofitting or building new, we give our customers a platform for growth. Oh, and the ROI is immediate. www.marketspark.com 

MarketSpark Delivers LTE/5G Connectivity for POTS Replacement with Cradlepoint routers.

Posted on April 13, 2021 by - POTS

Changing regulations accelerate cloud-delivered LTE/5G wireless connectivity to generate immediate cost savings

SAN DIEGO, California, April 13, 2021 – MarketSpark, the industry leading provider of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) replacement in the enterprise announced its delivery of LTE/5G connectivity as a managed service. MarketSpark will integrate Cradlepoint’s 4G and 5G wireless network edge solutions into its managed service solution portfolio, providing Telco-Grade connectivity while replacing aging analog infrastructures. Enterprises can leverage this powerful combination of wireless reach and reliability for life-safety applications to future-proof their business and accelerate their network transformation.

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has set the groundwork for shutting down legacy analog networks nationwide, supporting the migration to an all-digital network. Wireline carriers have followed suit, publishing network disclosures revealing an accelerated decommissioning schedule. Forward-looking enterprises are getting ahead of the shutdown by switching to POTS over LTE/5G solutions that deliver immediate cost savings and productivity enhancements. This includes migrating POTS lines supporting fire panels, alarms, elevators, fax machines, SCADA applications as well as a host of other terminals utilizing legacy analog communications protocols.

By integrating Cradlepoint’s portfolio of wireless edge routers within MarketSpark’s Managed Service Platform, enterprises secure the integrity of a world-class router in concert with MarketSpark’s scalable delivery service leveraging Wireless WAN, including LTE and 5G connected branch sites, vehicles, and IoT devices.

“Enterprises no longer need to be constrained by the cost or limitations of deploying analog lines to deliver reliable life-safety connectivity at existing or new locations,” says Jeff Gower, CEO of MarketSpark. “By combining Cradlepoint’s leading LTE and 5G wireless network edge solutions with MarketSpark’s platform-based management services, Fortune 500 enterprises are reaping the benefits of an intelligent wireless network to supplant POTS service. This is one of those unique cases where the replacement solution is smarter, more reliable and 20% – 50% less costly from the day of deployment.”

The COVID pandemic has prompted a sudden shift in priorities across enterprises. As companies restructure their operations, speed has become a strategic lever to securing building occupancy in new or refurbished locations. Cradlepoint and MarketSpark address these needs by offering the full breadth of analog applications throughout distributed enterprises as diverse as healthcare, financial services, and retail. MarketSpark’s scalable deployment service enables enterprises to quickly maximize ROI. The result is a Telco-Grade, platform-based solution that is easy to centrally provision and manage, utilizes secure and redundant networks for all applications and ensures seamless productivity everywhere you receive a cellular signal.

“With the rise of 5G, we see wireless becoming a significant part of the hyper-connected enterprise and next-generation WANs,” says Eric Purcell, SVP of Partners and Alliances at Cradepoint. “MarketSpark is a recognized leader in scalable POTS replacement and we are excited to offer a combined solution that extends our Cradlepoint offering to their versatile solution for enterprise networks everywhere.”

MarketSpark’s new Cradlepoint-enabled solutions are available now with any enterprise analog replacement deployment.

About MarketSpark
MarketSpark is the leading provider of analog replacement solutions for the enterprise. Our cloud-enabled platform helps companies escape from the world of yesterday and prepare for the world of tomorrow by replacing static, costly copper telephone lines (POTS) with a managed wireless solution that is 5G ready. MarketSpark is the only MSP in the telecom space purpose built to handle analog line replacement on a global scale. Whether retrofitting or building new, we give our customers a platform for growth. Oh, and the ROI is immediate www.marketspark.com

Plain Old Telephone Service 101:

Posted on December 7, 2019 by - POTS

What is POTS? Have you heard of it or come across the term before? If you were born before the 90’s there’s a big chance POTS was a part of your everyday life. POTS stands for Plain Old Telephone Service and was the phone line technology most of us grew up with at home. POTS was the most common and fastest way for people to be connected between the late 1800s and 1980s, way before the age of the internet and it still exists today. Many existing POTS lines are found in those ‘plain old’ cables and wires you can still see dangling over our streets and neighborhoods.

Maybe you remember those old dial telephones with their curly cords. You’d plug in the phone line into the phone jack in your wall, make sure you’ve got a dial tone and then manually enter the number to connect the call.

Has Technology Changed?

The technology hasn’t changed much since then. It’s still a couple of copper wires twisted together, either running overhead or buried underground, that carry your audible voice from your home phone to your sweet grandparents in Wisconsin. That’s it. Point A to point B. For decades it met the basic needs of communication, but in the last thirty years or so things have changed. The invention of the internet and the rise of the cellular phone have ushered in not only a greater ease and convenience into our day to day lives, but more comprehensive solutions to our ever changing needs.

Plain Old Telephone Service lines are now becoming a thing of the past, and have also becoming increasingly more expensive due to lower customer demand and other inexpensive alternative options such as wireless and digital. Most businesses and companies have moved away from POTS for many reasons besides the cost. This outdated service is not compatible with vital needs such as high speed capabilities and emergency networks.