For decades, analog technology formed the backbone of building safety infrastructure, particularly for elevator emergency phones and fire alarm systems. But that legacy is rapidly becoming a liability. Driven by regulatory changes, telecom industry shifts, and the growing need for reliability and cost savings, property managers and building owners are now under pressure to replace aging analog systems with digital alternatives.

The End of the Line for Analog

The most significant driver of this transition is the nationwide phase-out of POTS—Plain Old Telephone Service. These traditional copper-based phone lines have long connected elevator call boxes and fire alarm panels to emergency monitoring centers. However, major carriers are decommissioning these networks, citing high maintenance costs and the inefficiency of supporting outdated infrastructure.

The implications for building operators are serious. As POTS lines disappear, the systems that rely on them are becoming increasingly unreliable or outright inoperable. In life safety scenarios where seconds count—like a person trapped in an elevator or a fire alarm signal failing to reach first responders—this isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it’s a matter of compliance and liability.

Modern Alternatives: Smarter, Cheaper, and Code-Compliant

To meet the demand for continuity and compliance, many vendors and solution providers offer digital replacements for analog elevator and fire alarm communication. These replacements typically fall into two categories: IP-based solutions and cellular communicators.

• Elevator Systems: Digital call boxes connected via 4G LTE or VoIP are now widely available and offer reliable, always-on communication channels with built-in battery backup. Some solutions also integrate with building automation systems, providing enhanced monitoring and diagnostics.
• Fire Alarm Systems: Modern communicators allow alarm signals to be transmitted via secure internet or cellular pathways—often with dual-path redundancy to meet the most stringent insurance and life safety requirements. These solutions not only ensure code compliance (with bodies like the NFPA and UL), but also significantly reduce monthly operating costs by eliminating expensive analog lines.

Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Many municipalities and insurance providers are tightening their enforcement of life safety regulations. If your fire alarm panel fails to reach a monitoring center or your elevator phone doesn’t connect to a live operator, you could face costly fines—or worse, legal consequences in an emergency.

Digital replacements offer peace of mind by meeting or exceeding current fire and building code standards. Many also come with remote management capabilities, allowing facility teams to monitor system status, run tests, and receive real-time alerts.

Financial and Operational Upside

Beyond regulatory concerns, analog replacement brings a measurable ROI. Many buildings maintain multiple dedicated phone lines—one for each elevator, fire panel, or entry system. Expenses quickly add up, with each line costing $100 or more per month. By transitioning to digital communication platforms, property managers can reduce their telecom spend by 50–70%.

Consolidation also has the added benefit that many vendors offer bundled solutions, including device installation, 24/7 monitoring, and maintenance, simplifying vendor management and streamlining billing.

The Bottom Line

The demand for analog replacements in elevator and fire alarm systems is more than a trend—a shift reflecting the new reality of telecom infrastructure. Legacy systems that once served reliably are now a growing liability. For building owners, the opportunity lies not just in avoiding risk, but in embracing more modern, cost-effective, and reliable technologies.

Whether you manage a commercial building, healthcare facility, or multi-family residence, now is the time to assess your systems.