"you cannot call emergency services if there is a power outage"
Add a small UPS, and it will keep on working - the other endpoint should already have it. That should become part of the standard install, though. They may rely on the fact most people have also a mobile phone for emergencies, but that's not true always.
Anyway, here too often if you want to switch your landline from the ex-state monopolist you can only get a VoIP service - none of the other telcos is interested in adding their own devices to support POTS phones to the existing infrastructure, thereby if it is allowed to follow different rules, it could become an unfair competitive advantage.
Thankfully, for now Europe has a far broader view of antitrust issue than US - where it become fixated with "consumer prices" only, a comfortable way to avoid to go after big lobbies and thereby get their money.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
