> POTS = Plain Old Telephony System I worked for NY Telephone for years in the '80s, and it was referred to there as "Plain Old Telephone Service" not System. Not that it's a big deal at this point!

I started my career as a telecom tech in the mid Atlantic (late 90's) and can confirm it was that for me too

My understanding is that the Service was provided by the System.

I was in the ballpark!