Free switching guide
Replacing your phone system, in plain English.
A vendor-neutral guide for schools and nonprofits, whether or not you ever buy from us. Nine short chapters, with checklists and templates you can copy.
Last updated October 20, 2026. Facts about laws and other products are cited and dated.
Chapters
- Chapter 1: Signs it's time to replace your phone system Learn the warning signs that a phone system is becoming a risk, see real end-of-support dates, and finish with a quick self-check you can share with your team.
- Chapter 2: Your phone system options, explained A neutral look at five common ways to get phone service: what each one asks you to buy and look after, how each handles desk phones, paging, after-hours calls and 911, and the questions that show the real differences.
- Chapter 3: What schools and nonprofits actually need A room-by-room, feature-by-feature checklist to fill in with your team, so every provider quotes the same thing and nothing important gets missed.
- Chapter 4: How to compare phone quotes fairly See what belongs in an all-in monthly cost and which taxes and fees to expect in 2026, then use a worksheet and seven questions that work with any provider.
- Chapter 5: Switching, step by step Walk through each stage of a phone system switch, see who usually handles what, and fill in a timeline that works backward from your cutover date.
- Chapter 6: Keeping your phone numbers You'll learn how number porting works, what to gather before you start, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay a port or put a number at risk.
- Chapter 7: 911 for schools, in plain English You'll understand the two federal 911 rules for multi-line phone systems, which parts your provider usually handles and which your school handles, and how to test without tying up 911.
- Chapter 8: Budget, procurement and board approval You'll get a plain explanation of not-to-exceed amounts, the school budget calendar, California purchasing rules and the documents boards expect, plus a short section for nonprofits.
- Chapter 9: Templates and checklists Seven ready-to-use templates that take you from counting your phones to the first month on a new system. Copy them, download them or print them.