MetTel has announced that Extra Space Storage, an operator of self-storage facilities in the US, has selected MetTel’s POTS Transformation solution to digitise its telephone landlines nationally. This initiative will enable Extra Space Storage to preserve their existing infrastructure of landline-dependent equipment like fire and burglar alarms, elevator lines, fax machines and modems, avoiding capital investment while improving network intelligence and resiliency nationwide.
As a profitable real estate investment trust (REIT) with 2,327 locations in 41 states, Extra Space Storage seeks opportunities for growth and innovation. In the past five years alone, the company has invested [$4.6 billion (€4.19 billion)] in new acquisitions, expanding its portfolio. However, acquisitions often result in additional overhead costs, including integration of diverse and incompatible telecommunications infrastructure.
To address this challenge, Extra Space Storage has chosen to implement MetTel’s POTS Transformation solution at its locations. Plain old telephone service (POTS) lines, the century-old technology used for analog phone lines and critical specialty lines, are being phased out by carriers.
With approximately 41 million POTS lines remaining in use in the US, businesses must adapt to ensure uninterrupted service. With existing voice replacement options, conversion typically requires an investment in new equipment.
MetTel’s POTS Transformation solution provides a managed service that transitions analog phone lines to a digital platform, offering plug-and-play connectivity without requiring the capital expenditure to replace dependent equipment. By eliminating unsupported copper wires, Extra Space Storage also gains cost savings and enhanced feature sets not available with traditional telephone service, including real-time monitoring, advanced call functionality, in-depth status and usage reporting, and simplified billing.
Jeff Stott, SVP of technology at Extra Space Storage, says “In addition to solving our complicated POTS line issue quickly, MetTel and Elite Telecom Solutions allowed us to avoid the costlier option of replacing our alarm and elevator equipment. MetTel’s POTS Transformation technology has upgraded our decades-old network into a world-class digital network that gives us advanced functionality and complete transparency – all through one provider and at a lower cost.”
Max Silber, VP of mobility and IoT at MetTel, says “POTS Transformation was developed to help forward-thinking companies such as Extra Space Storage avoid the cost of replacing aging infrastructure. It is the best alternative to legacy landlines, providing reliable, compliant connectivity and significant cost savings in a sustainable format.”
Some key features of MetTel’s POTS Transformation include:
- Turn-key deployment: Deployment and nationwide professional installation of MetTel’s managed equipment, allowing new locations to have fire alarm access within as little as 24 hours.
- Wireless backup: Provides business continuity during network outages, prequalifies coverage areas, and enables access to multiple cellular networks under a single management system.
- Ongoing management: Constant 24/7 monitoring and support, over-the-air firmware updates, and emergency replacements for failed devices.
MetTel worked with Elite Telecom Solutions to implement the POTS Transformation project for Extra Space Storage, ensuring a transition from legacy telephone lines.
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