The End of PSTN: A Historic Shift and a Massive Opportunity for Resellers, TELCLOUD POTS & Shots Podcast, “The carriers aren’t being forced to shut it down. They want to shut it down,” explains Jacoby. “They can no longer afford to maintain copper networks, and the revenue just isn’t there.”

"The public switched telephone network is going away—globally. It’s time to act.” — Jake Jacoby of TELCLOUD. In this edition of POTS & Shots, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sits down with Jake Jacoby of TELCLOUD to discuss a seismic industry shift—the worldwide sunset of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). As legacy copper networks are being decommissioned, businesses face rising costs and potential service disruptions. The good news? Resellers are in a prime position to deliver modern solutions and secure long-term recurring revenue.

What’s Driving the Global PSTN Shutdown?

The retirement of PSTN isn’t just happening in the U.S.—it’s a worldwide transformation. The two primary forces behind this shift:

The Move to Fiber and Wireless: Carriers have heavily invested in fiber optics and 5G wireless networks, pushing copper infrastructure into obsolescence.

Deregulation and Rising Costs: U.S. carriers successfully lobbied the FCC to deregulate POTS lines, removing price caps. As a result, prices have skyrocketed while service quality has deteriorated.

“The carriers aren’t being forced to shut it down. They want to shut it down,” explains Jacoby. “They can no longer afford to maintain copper networks, and the revenue just isn’t there.”

The Risks of Falling Behind

For businesses still relying on POTS lines, failing to transition isn’t just a financial burden—it’s a major operational risk:

Life Safety Systems at Risk: Fire alarms, elevators, security panels, and emergency blue-light phones still depend on copper lines. When those lines fail, businesses could face compliance violations—or worse, life-threatening emergencies.

Aging Infrastructure Will Fail: Even before carriers officially pull the plug, deteriorating copper lines will cause disruptions. Businesses that delay their transition risk being caught off guard.

How Resellers Can Lead the Charge

Resellers are in a prime position to help businesses migrate from outdated POTS lines to modern alternatives. The key is proactive outreach. TELCLOUD provides:

Sales & Training Support: Educational content, sales collateral, and email templates to help resellers confidently discuss POTS replacement.

Turnkey Solutions: TELCLOUD’s white-label platform allows resellers to provide fully branded solutions without selling direct.

Reliable Implementation: With 30–40% of U.S. POTS lines expected to transition in 2025, demand for qualified technicians and equipment will surge. Resellers that act now can avoid bottlenecks and delays.

"Your customers want to do business with you," says Jacoby. "If you're not bringing this solution, they’ll find someone who will. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become their trusted advisor while securing high-margin, recurring revenue.”

A Tequila Fit for a Historic Transition

No POTS & Shots episode is complete without a top-tier tequila recommendation. This week, Jacoby brings out his personal favorite—Fortaleza. Handcrafted using traditional methods, Fortaleza is a small-batch tequila that retains the authenticity of its Jalisco roots. Unlike mass-market brands, Fortaleza is crafted using a tahona stone (historically pulled by donkeys) to crush the agave, preserving its rich and complex flavors. "This is a true sipping tequila," Jacoby says. "If you find it, buy it—it’s hard to get, and it’s absolutely worth it.”

Join Us Next Week: Multi-Win Mastery – The Backbone of Modern Telecom

In the next episode of POTS & Shots, we’ll explore multi-win mastery, a strategy that maximizes value for resellers, end customers, and the industry as a whole.