The church phone system is now part of the Tech Team. Repaired telephone system for less than $100 by replacing power supply circuit card rather than getting duped into buying a whole new system as was recommended by our service provider. Bought phone overlays that we can print ourselves as people come and go. Condensed several hundred page programming manual down to a few pages that are applicable to us.
We countered internal claims that our Lucent phone system is “beyond its service life” and needs to be replaced. Funny how the source of this unsolicited concern is the rhetoric of cold calls from sales people. We are in the sweet spot of ownership for this type of equipment. We have paid off the lease and now own the system outright. We also canceled an expensive service contract because parts cost a fraction of what they originally cost. The system is old enough where a great deal is known about its long term reliability and maintenance. This system has been deemed a long-term workhorse and as such there are tons of inexpensive replacement parts readily available for years to come.
We have no use for the advanced features of the current system much less the features of a brand new system. All we get with a new system is bragging rights over something shinny and a hefty monthly payment. Phone calls are phone calls. Provided the calls are clear and reliable there are far better ways of spending donated funds than keeping up with the Jones’.