Modernizing Alarm Monitoring: Overcoming Challenges as POTS Lines Disappear

If you've been relying on Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines for your alarm monitoring, you know they used to be the simple, low-cost backbone for carrying critical alarm signals. But in 2025, that once-reliable copper infrastructure is rapidly disappearing. Major telecom providers are swapping out copper for fiber and VoIP.

This change causes real headaches for anyone who depends on dialer alarm communicators (DACs). That includes industrial complexes, university campuses, and municipalities that absolutely need to receive accurate, real-time alerts.

So, how do you move beyond aging phone lines without sacrificing reliability, especially when compliance (NFPA, UL864) is on the line? Let's take a closer look at why POTS is being phased out, what that means for your alarm system, and how modern technologies - especially IP-enabled platforms - can keep you covered.

Why Are POTS Lines Going Away?

POTS lines had a good run, but maintaining copper is expensive. Network providers have found that fiber and VoIP offer better scalability and - let's face it - higher profitability.

While that's great for the providers, it leaves alarm operators in a bad spot. Older dialer-based equipment often struggles to communicate via VoIP or fiber. That puts you at risk of missed or incomplete alarm signals.

For remote or proprietary sites that can't easily upgrade every piece of equipment overnight, this is a significant challenge. Losing POTS lines can threaten your ability to monitor alarms, which is the entire point of having an alarm system in the first place.

VoIP is Not a Solution

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) often gets pitched as the perfect substitute for copper phone lines. After all, it carries audio signals over the internet. Easy, right?

Not exactly.

• DAC Tones Don't Translate Well: VoIP is primarily built for human speech. It's not optimized for the precise audio tones generated by dialer alarm communicators. Early adopters saw these signals degrade or drop out, creating dangerous blind spots in alarm reporting.
• Still Not 100% Reliable: Modern VoIP systems have improved, but they still might not guarantee full reliability for mission-critical, life-safety applications.

Before you bet the farm on VoIP, make sure your alarm systems can handle it. Often times, transitioning directly to Ethernet, fiber, or wireless is more secure and considerate of future needs.

The Transition Will Have Its Challenges

While this may be a necessary change, that doesn't guarantee it will be easy. Take note of common challenges to prepare yourself for the transition:

• Outdated Equipment: Many older alarm panels and DACs were never designed for IP-based communication. Retrofitting them isn't always feasible.
• Compliance Requirements: Codes like NFPA 72 and UL864 demand certain performance standards. Any new solution must be able to reliably transmit signals, even during power outages or network hiccups.
• Cost Concerns: Replacing your legacy systems can feel daunting. However, the alternative - operating critical alarms with half-working communication lines - is much worse in the long run.

Use Multiplexing Solutions for Alarm Monitoring

One key way to protect your system and prepare for the future is through multiplexing. The process of multiplexing combines multiple signals into a single communication channel.

• Seamless Integration: Multiplexing solutions work across Ethernet and fiber. This lets you move alarm data over modern IT networks.
• Point-Specific Alarm Data: This level of detail means you don't lose any information. Each alarm point remains distinct, so you'll know exactly which device signaled an alarm.
• Eliminates Old Dialers: Instead of generating audio tones that may or may not survive VoIP conversion, multiplexers use a strong data protocol.

What Should Your Alarm Setup Look Like?

In a perfect world, your alarm system would work with old and new technologies, comply with NFPA and UL standards, and be both reliable and cost-effective. You'd connect it to:

1. Ethernet LAN/WAN: If your campus, industrial site, or municipality already runs on Ethernet, why not use that for alarm data, too? It's fast, cost-effective, and easy to monitor.
2. Fiber Infrastructure: Fiber's high reliability over long distances makes it a strong choice for large complexes. You can link buildings without losing signal integrity.
3. Wireless (Cellular or Point-to-Point): Where cabling is tough, wireless steps in. It's secure, flexible, and perfect for places where you can't run new lines.

Making sure that these connections meets industry compliance is a must. Any new system must meet NFPA and UL864 requirements to ensure smooth inspections and zero unwelcome surprises later.

Digitize Can Help You Bridge the Gap

At Digitize, we recognized the POTS phase-out years ago and have been preparing solutions that blend old and new capabilities:

1. Ethernet-Based Monitoring
   Our proprietary systems let you transmit alarm data via Ethernet. We've designed them specifically for large and remote facilities. Monitoring via Ethernet minimizes disruption to existing networks.
2. Fiber Integration
   We support both multi-mode and single-mode fiber communication. This gives you a solid channel for long-distance or campus-wide monitoring without signal loss.
3. Wireless Alternatives
   If Ethernet or fiber isn't an option, we provide wireless multiplexing to cut out the need for dialer communicators entirely. This is especially handy for remote tower sites where you have limited cabling options.
4. Precise Alarm Detail
   Point-specific reporting helps you respond effectively. Is that alarm from a smoke detector or a water flow sensor? That critical detail speeds up response times.
5. Compliance with NFPA & UL864 Listing
   Your system must hold up under scrutiny. Ours do. They're built to satisfy regulatory requirements, so you can feel confident during audits and emergency events.

Key Considerations for Staying Compliant

1. Use UL864-Listed Equipment
   Ensure your fire alarm control units and related devices carry the UL864 stamp of approval. This is non-negotiable for fire safety applications.
2. Follow NFPA Standards
   NFPA 72 covers fire alarm systems, including communication protocols, monitoring procedures, and redundancy. Make sure your integrator or manufacturer knows these codes.
3. Regular Testing
   Even the best systems can fail if not tested. Periodic checks confirm you're transmitting alarms reliably over whatever medium (Ethernet, fiber, or wireless) you choose.

Working with an experienced vendor like Digitize can simplify your path to compliance. We know the rules, and we build our solutions to align with them.

Use These 2 Techniques to Overcome the Transition Hurdles

Adapting to modern tech sometimes means spending money to replace or retrofit your legacy equipment. Yes, that can be painful. But think about what's at stake: missed alarms and potential disaster scenarios.

Here's how to make it smoother:

1. Team Up with IT: If you're moving to Ethernet or fiber, involve your IT department early. Having secure network paths is more than important.
2. Mix and Match: Don't force every site to use the same method. Some might get fiber, others go wireless. The key is to unify alarm data into one coherent monitoring system.

Prepare Your Alarm Monitoring for the Next 10-20 Years

It's easy to see the writing on the wall: POTS lines won't be around forever. Transitioning to Ethernet, fiber, or wireless offers better reliability and scalability - and ensures you stay in compliance.

At Digitize, our mission is to help you monitor and protect your critical facilities without skipping a beat. Don't let the retirement of copper lines hinder your operations. Instead, seize the opportunity to modernize and gain powerful new capabilities.

Ready to Discuss Your Upgrade?

Give us a call or reach out online. Our team is here to guide you through the process of switching from POTS to more reliable technologies - whether that's Ethernet, fiber, or a wireless multiplexing approach.

Contact Digitize today to learn how we can help you protect what matters most.

• Call 973-663-1011
• Email info@digitize-inc.com