Why Schools Are Moving to 3CX Before NEC Shuts Down Support
Across Australia, thousands of schools rely on NEC phone systems like the SV9100. These systems have been popular for years, but the clock is officially ticking.
NEC has announced that core support for the SV9100 platform will end on March 31, 2026. While customers with the latest CPU module (the GCD-CP20) and an active Software Assurance plan can continue with limited technical support and software licenses through March 2030, the reality is that no major enhancements or new features are coming. For schools with the older GCD-CP10 CPU, critical support cuts off even earlier on December 31, 2025, with no extension path available.
What does this mean for your school? You will soon be on your own. No new software, no security patches, and no guarantee you will get parts or help when something fails.
If you are a school principal, business manager, or IT lead, the end-of-life notice is more than a date on a calendar. It is a clear signal to start planning a transition. Here is why many education leaders are already moving to cloud systems like 3CX, and what you should know.
Why Staying on NEC Carries Risk
Even with extended Software Assurance, the SV9100 is now in what NEC calls “maintenance mode.” That means:
No more major updates or enhancements
Only limited bug fixes and security patches
Compatibility challenges with newer operating systems
Hardware replacements becoming harder to source and more expensive
If you have experienced service interruptions before, you know how quickly a phone outage can disrupt your school day, impact parent communication, and complicate emergencies. These risks increase the longer you rely on unsupported equipment.
Why 3CX is Ideal for Educational Institutions
Here is how it helps schools stay connected and in control:
Paging and Bell Scheduling
SPN Co can integrate with existing speaker systems, allowing you to make announcements from any phone in the school. We can also update your bell scheduler with an optional add on, giving you an easily managed web portal. No more tinkering with outdated control boxes. Just set and adjust bell times whenever you need.
Voicemail-to-Email
Messages left by parents or staff can be delivered straight to email for faster response.
Mobile and DECT Devices
Staff can use cordless DECT handsets around the school or the 3CX mobile app to stay reachable without being tied to their desk. Perfect for school camps or excursions
Two-Way SMS
3CX offers two-way SMS so teachers and administrators can message parents directly. For example, if a student is absent or you are supervising an excursion. SMS conversations can also be logged to your CRM. While bulk SMS is not included by default, we can supply additional solutions for larger initiatives.
Flexible Call Routing
You can set up automated call queues, after-hours greetings, and routing based on time of day or department.
4G and 5G Backup Options
If your main connection fails, 3CX can keep your phones running with 4G or 5G backup. Most schools prefer 4G for affordability, but 5G options are available if required.
Simple Self-Management
We work closely with your IT team to ensure they are fully comfortable managing the system. If you prefer, we also offer a fully managed service to keep everything running smoothly.
NEC End-of-Life Timeline at a Glance
To help you plan, here are the critical dates to know:
December 31, 2025
End of all support for SV9100 systems running the GCD-CP10 CPU
March 31, 2026
General end of NEC support for SV9100
March 31, 2030
Final date for limited support for SV9100 systems with GCD-CP20 CPUs under active Software Assurance
After these dates, no new security patches, bug fixes, or feature enhancements will be provided.
Next Steps
If your school is still running NEC, now is the time to start a conversation. Migrating early means:
Less stress trying to replace equipment at the last minute
More time to train staff and plan your transition
No surprise costs from failing hardware or unsupported features
We will help you assess your current system, map out a timeline, and choose the best 3CX setup for your school.
Beyond Phones: The Full SPN Co Stack for Schools
Ultra-Fast Fibre Internet Built for Schools
Symmetrical Fibre Options: Choose from 250/250 Mbps to 10Gbps/10Gbps depending on your school's size and needs.
Dedicated Internet Connectivity: Unlike residential services, SPN Co delivers dedicated business-grade fibre.
Bandwidth for Everything: Perfect for schools using cloud-based learning systems, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and video-based lessons.
Rebate Offers: SPN Co helps schools access rebates on fibre upgrades, making the transition more cost-effective.
Wireless Backup: 4G and 5G Internet for Continuity
Internet downtime during exam week or enrolment periods? Not an option.
4G and 5G Wireless Broadband on the Telstra Network: Provides automatic failover if fibre connectivity drops, keeping school systems online.Zero Setup Downtime: It’s plug-and-play, managed by SPN Co’s local support team.
Mobile Plans for Admins and On-the-Go Staff
For school leaders, maintenance teams, or staff needing secure mobile connectivity:
- Business Mobile on the Telstra Wholesale Network
- SIM and eSIM Options
- Shared Data Pools: Optimise costs across the team.
- Add 1300/1800 Inbound Numbers: Create one central contact point for parents, with call routing to admin, staff, or voicemail. </ul<
SMS Alerts & Broadcasts for Parents and Staff
Bulk SMS Tools: Send class cancellation alerts, weather warnings, or event reminders to parents.
Two-Way Messaging: Enable real-time replies to streamline comms around excursions, pickups, or urgent notices.
Automated Reminders: Connect SMS with your CRM or student system for automated attendance or payment reminders.
One Provider, One Bill, Real Results
Mobile Plans for Admins and On-the-Go Staff
SPN Co simplifies your school’s telco stack:
- All services including voice, mobile, internet, and SMS through one provider.
- One bill. One support team. Zero finger-pointing.
- Backed by local Australian support that understands school hours, term calendars, and peak periods.
Final Thought
Get in touch with our team today for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s make sure your school is prepared well before the deadlines.
FAQs: Making the Switch to SPN Co for Schools
Why are NEC phone systems being phased out in schools?
NEC has ceased manufacturing and is winding down support on many legacy PBX models. For example, SV9100 systems running the GCD-CP10 CPU will lose all support after December 31, 2025, while other hardware will be phased out by March 31, 2026, or March 2030 if under active Software Assurance. This leaves schools exposed to high maintenance costs, security risks, and limited functionality. SPN Co’s 3CX cloud phone system is a modern alternative that is fully supported, packed with features, and requires no upfront capex.
What are the benefits of 3CX for schools?
3CX offers flexible communication features ideal for education, including:
Paging and bell scheduling via an easy web portal
DECT (cordless) phones for roaming staff on yard duty
Mobile apps for leadership teams and on-call staff
After-hours call routing to manage enquiries effectively
Voicemail to email for faster absentee follow-ups
Two-way SMS for direct communication with parents (e.g., excursions, absences)
Optional integration with Microsoft Teams
How fast is SPN Co’s internet for schools?
SPN Co delivers business-grade connectivity with speeds tailored to your needs, including symmetrical fibre services up to 10Gbps for cloud learning, video conferencing, and real-time collaboration.
Can SPN Co provide wireless backup internet?
Yes. We offer 4G and 5G wireless broadband backup options on the Telstra network. Most schools opt for 4G for its affordability. These services can automatically take over if your primary connection drops, keeping your operations uninterrupted.
Does SPN Co offer solutions for communicating with parents?
While 3CX provides two-way SMS for real-time conversations (such as notifying parents about excursions or absences), we also offer separate bulk SMS platforms for larger communications if needed. Schools can also use inbound 1300/1800 numbers to:
Route calls to the right team
Manage enquiries efficiently
Ensure parents always reach the right contact
How secure are SPN Co’s services?
SPN Co provides business-grade connectivity and voice services that are monitored 24/7. We use encrypted voice communications, secure SMS capabilities, and strict Australian data privacy protections to help safeguard your school’s information.
How quickly can a school switch to SPN Co?
Most schools can transition voice services and connectivity within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on site readiness and term schedules. We coordinate closely with your school’s IT team to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth changeover.
Can we keep our existing phone numbers and devices?
Absolutely. SPN Co supports number porting and can often reuse compatible handsets or recommend affordable upgrades. We also provide DECT wireless handsets for staff who need to move around campus.
How does SPN Co work with our school’s IT team?
From the outset, we collaborate closely with your IT staff to ensure they are comfortable managing the system. We provide training and resources so your team can take ownership if preferred, or we can fully manage the system for you.