Certainly, in terms of data, the POTS is losing its allure and has been replaced largely by other modes. For instance, it is only in the remotest of areas that a person has to rely on dial-up Internet services anymore. Even then, people are being given the option of switching to two-way satellite Internet services that are far more reliable than dial-up ever was. Granted, it still costs more, but with degrading copper lines and telecommunications companies not really interested in upgrading those lines, it’s a great option.
Despite the basic technology being the same for many traditional landline services, it isn’t exactly plain anymore. For instance, people can now see who is calling them for the most part, force people who are calling with “unlisted” or “blocked” numbers to identify themselves, and voice mail has pretty much eliminated the need for a traditional answering machine, except in cases where there is a need to record the occasional call. Still, there is this idea that no one really needs a landline anymore because cell phones exist.
Not everyone needs, or wants, a cell phone. Businesses, as an example, usually cannot function properly without at least one landline service. Some people still prefer to have people contact them at home and have no use for cellular technologies such as text messaging. In the case of businesses, wired line services often cost far less than wireless for the amount of lines and call routing they need as they grow. While there are still some wired lines that are connected with the old twisted pairs of copper wire, that technology is absolutely past its prime.
While traditional copper lines are definitely on their way out, POTS lines are not. A person can opt to have all additional features on a digital line shut off. Some VoIP providers have amped up security of voice communications for homes and businesses by using the old POTS outlets inside buildings to deliver service via a secure, standalone network that is not connected to the public Internet.
The technology is ever-adapting to new capabilities and consumer expectations. Unfortunately, while there isn’t really any such thing as a POTS anymore, because it is no longer “plain” voice-only technology, regulations and policies for the telecommunications industry have been implemented as technology-specific documents. It is these policies that need to be updated.
Because they are technology-specific, rather than industry specific, they keep many facets of the services that are available restricted and, in some cases, less secure than they could be. Rural service, 911 capability, subsidies, and universal service could all be vastly improved if only the policies governing them were also. “Plain old,” in the realm of modern telecommunications means “comfortable and familiar.”
The ones who need it to stay this way are those who are scared and confused by frequent changes in the technology: the policy-makers, lawyers, and politicians. However, because they put policy and laws into place to protect and govern consumers, industry and security sectors, it would make far more sense for them to create regulations that is industry-specific, rather than technology-specific.