First, we saw payphones slowly disappearing from public places in the United States. Now, traditional landlines are being used less and less. In the United States, only 60% of households have a landline , with the number continuing to drop. As more and more Americans are abandoning landline telephones in favor of mobile devices, traditional landlines or "plain old telephone systems" (POTS) are becoming a thing of the past. Many experts believe that POTS phones will disappear from the workplace completely in the next 5-10 years. While you probably still have some time with your old phone system, many organizations are already shifting to mobile or Internet-based systems like VoIP . This post examines the shift from traditional phones lines and discusses what types of organizations are already benefiting from adopting VoIP systems. Fading Infrastructure If you live in Carbon Hill, Alabama, you may have to upgrade your phone system sooner than expected. In April 2014, AT&T informed businesses and residents in Carbon Hill that their POTS phone lines could soon be replaced by new technology. AT&T and Verizon are seeking approval from federal regulators to replace phone networks in this region with new technology. If the approval is granted, Carbon Hill residents will not be able to sign up for traditional, landline based services at all. During superstorm Sandy, traditional phone lines in some cities in New York and New Jersey were destroyed. Although other types of infrastructure was rebuilt after the storm, phone companies opted not to restore the phone lines . Businesses and residents in these areas are now forced into wireless technology. Rising Prices Many landline customers have noticed the cost of landlines rising steadily. Providers of traditional phone services like AT&T face strong competition from mobile technology. As more people cancel their landline service, the revenues from landlines go down and prices for existing lines increase. For example, in California , AT&T has raised basic rates 115% between 2006 and 2013. Other services like call waiting, and anonymous call rejection have almost quadrupled in the same time period. Although there are some costs associated with switching over from POTS to VoIP, VoIP adopters may end up recouping costs quicker than expected as POTS service prices continue to rise in many parts of the country. Making the Move to VoIP Eventually, everyone may have to move off of POTS systems, but if you are happy with your current service, you probably won’t have to give it up right away (unless you live in specific areas like Carbon Hill). Although POTS systems are becoming less popular in the United States, they are still reliable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to administer. Many organizations are already moving away from landlines, and to VoIP systems in particular. VoIP systems can be a great option for many nonprofit organizations, as monthly rates are typically less than POTs systems, particularly on long distance and international calling. VoIP systems also provide more flexibility for nonprofits that have unique business and staffing needs. If you are considering moving to a VoIP system, TechSoup offers a number of different options for organizations that would like to make the switch, including three different VoIP offers . Switching to a more high tech system like VoIP can take an initial investment of time and money, but if your organization has some of the following characteristics, the investment will likely be worthwhile: Flexible Locations : Your staff often moves to and from different offices, desks, or locations, or switch often from their office phone to mobile device. VoIP systems allow you to use your dedicated phone number from different phones across your organization and on mobile devices. Positioned for Growth or Moving : If you need to add additional traditional phone lines in your office, the phone company may have to come and physically add more lines at your workplace. This will almost certainly have an associated fee. If your organization is growing quickly, planning to change offices, or frequently adding new phone lines, VoIP systems allow you to add or move phone numbers easily. Multiple Offices : If you have multiple locations, you likely deal with multiple phone companies and representatives in different cities or states. With VoIP, you can have one system across all of your locations. Another benefit is that you can seamlessly transfer calls and dial by extension to your different offices. Long Distance or International Calling : Particularly with increasing landline rates, long distance and international calling can add up quickly on your phone bill. If you are frequently making these types of calls, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates by using VoIP. Multiple Features : Most VoIP systems include a number of features that you would otherwise have to pay extra for through a traditional phone system. You can configure your system to meet the needs of your organization using features like group mail boxes, auto attendants, and call groups. These types of features ensure that your clients, donors, or partners can reach you when necessary. Emergency Backup: Although VoIP phone systems will not work when the internet goes down, most VoIP system providers offer options for a backup system. VoIP phone systems can be configured to reroute to another office or cell phone if the power is down. Additionally, many organizations keep one POTS phone on line as a second backup in case of emergency. Learn More If you are interested in making the switch to VoIP, TechSoup can help! TechSoup offers three different VoIP offers, from TechBridge , npTalk , and BetterWorld Telecom . Each of these offers provides access to discounted rates, discounted (or free) set up fees, and in some cases, discounted (or free) hardware. The cost saving benefits and wide number of features of VoIP systems can help your nonprofit to work more efficiently and better serve your constituents. Image: Shutterstock