Why Bother with POTS?

One of the major fault lines separating the various DSLs is whether to have analog POTS service. As the discussions of POTS splitters, inside wiring, and loop qualification have droned on now for years, the case for POTS appears to weaken. The splitter needs professional installation and in Europe is often an active device that requires power. Also, it may be the case that inside wiring is needed. Furthermore, analog voice uses low frequencies, which would shorten the reach of the digital service, thereby reducing its marketability, however small.

Furthermore, voice service is becoming increasingly wireless, and there is rapid development of voice over IP, a purely digital form of voice. Therefore, it seems that any DSL (ADSL, G.Lite, One Megabit Modem, VDSL) supporting POTS is transitional and that eventually is necessary is a fully digital service. Going digital would extend the reach, reduce the installation cost, and likely reduce the amount of time spent in standards meetings.