What does "POTS" refer to in Navy telecommunications?

POTS stands for "Plain Old Telephone Service," which is the traditional telephone service that uses analog signals over standard copper telephone lines. This term originated to distinguish the original, basic telephone service from more advanced technologies such as digital transmission, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), and mobile telephony. POTS encompasses the essential voice communication capabilities without the complexities of modern systems, making it foundational in telecommunications, including within the Navy.

Understanding POTS is important in naval operations as it represents the fundamental means of communication, ensuring reliability and simplicity when needed for mission-critical discussions. This term reflects the historical context of telecommunications and illustrates the evolution of communication technology in military settings.