The Quiet Revolution in Business Communication: Why Your Business Needs to Switch to Digital Fax Now

Copper-based Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines are being phased out faster than many businesses realize. In the U.S., telecom providers now commonly issue shutdown notices just 90 days in advance. Similarly, providers in the EU are rapidly transitioning to digital infrastructure, and Japan has set clear deadlines for phasing out traditional copper networks. 

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Switching early to digital fax solutions, like Fax.Plus, ensures you avoid higher costs, obsolete hardware, and regulatory compliance issues. 

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Why the Change? PSTN/POTS Copper-Network Phase-Out and Transition to Digital Infrastructure

Traditional phone services, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), include analog phone lines (Plain Old Telephone Service or POTS) and digital lines called Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which historically relied on copper wires to transmit voice and fax data. These methods are being replaced by internet-based technologies, significantly reducing costs and improving reliability.

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Regulatory Catalysts

Regulatory bodies worldwide are accelerating the shift away from copper lines. As of March 20, 2025, the FCC reduced the mandatory notification period for carriers from 180 days to just 90 days in the U.S., speeding up the transition process.

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In the European Union, telecom regulators similarly encourage quick transitions to digital networks, pushing businesses to migrate sooner rather than later.

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Global Timelines

Providers in the U.S. are retiring copper-based networks month-by-month. Globally, the telecom industry aims for a complete PSTN phase-out by 2030.

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Technology Drivers

Copper network components are becoming scarce, causing frequent breakdowns and costly maintenance. In contrast, digital fax solutions are not only cheaper but also simpler to maintain and upgrade.

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Who's Affected?

If your business uses analog lines for faxing, alarms, elevators, point-of-sale systems, or healthcare monitoring, you're directly impacted. Transitioning promptly ensures you maintain uninterrupted service and avoid regulatory non-compliance.

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Implications for Businesses

Analog systems require local power and have escalating monthly fees. With only a 90-day migration window in places like the U.S., waiting can lead to disruptions and increased operational risks.

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Providers Actively Retiring Copper Globally:

US

1. AT&T: Transitioning small businesses from copper to fiber.
2. Verizon: Issued multiple 2025 retirement notices across major states.
3. T-Mobile: Promoting wireless-first VoIP solutions.

EU

1. Germany: Deutsche Telekom is actively phasing out analog networks.
2. United Kingdom: Openreach (BT Group) stopped selling copper broadband and telephony products nationwide as of September 2023, with complete retirement planned by 2027.
3. France: Orange started copper network decommissioning trials in 2021, planning a large-scale phase-out from late 2024, with full shutdown by 2030.
4. Italy: Tiscali is discontinuing traditional fax services.
5. Spain: Telefónica España has aggressively phased out retail copper services, positioning Spain as a European leader in copper retirement.
6. Portugal & Sweden: Both countries are moving quickly to retire copper networks ahead of the EU's 2030 target.
7. Switzerland: Swisscom is phasing out copper networks regionally, replacing them with fiber networks for better sustainability and efficiency.
   

Japan

1. NTT pushing toward full digital adoption by the late 2020s.

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Why Switch to Digital Fax with Fax.Plus?

Choosing Fax.Plus for your digital faxing ensures:

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1. Security and Compliance

Fax.Plus provides enterprise-grade security with 256-bit AES encryption and TLS during document transfer. Audit trails and regulated data storage ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, ideal for healthcare, legal, and financial sectors.

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2. Easy Number Porting

With Fax.Plus, you keep your existing fax numbers, ensuring your business remains uninterrupted.

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3. Reliable Network

Fax.Plus is built with redundant cloud infrastructure, ensuring your fax service is always available, even during outages or high traffic periods.

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4. Flexible Integrations

Easily integrate Fax.Plus with popular tools such as Zapier, Slack, Google Workspace, and Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, automating workflows and enhancing productivity.

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5. Cost-effective Pricing

With Fax.Plus, you only pay for pages you send. There are no hidden fees or unnecessary costs.

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6. Migration Support

Fax.Plus offers expert onboarding support and round-the-clock customer assistance, ensuring your transition from analog to digital faxing is smooth and hassle-free.

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Transitioning from analog to cloud fax with Fax.Plus ensures your business remains competitive, compliant, and ready for the digital future. Act now to streamline your operations, secure your data, and save costs. Embracing digital fax solutions like Fax.Plus not only prepares your business for technological shifts but also positions it to thrive in an increasingly digital world, staying ahead of competitors and regulatory demands.

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Start your transition today for a smarter, more efficient tomorrow.