Ordered SMB FREE just last week, but landing page contradicts the announced phase-out, what applies now?

[NewMedia]

Hello everyone,

I ordered a new 3CX SMB FREE instance about two weeks ago. The official page (https://www.3cx.de/smb/) still advertises SMB FREE as free forever.
At the same time, I found the following in official 3CX blog posts pointing to a phase-out of SMB FREE.

• Blog post from Dec 18, 2025 (Basic Edition announcement): mentions "scaling back" SMB FREE alongside the introduction of the new Basic Edition.
• Blog post from March 6, 2026 (Portal access): confirms that SMB FREE keys no longer have access to the 3CX Portal and that the license will be downgraded to Basic "in the not-too-distant future".

I have not received any active notification regarding my newly ordered instance.

So my specific questions are:

1. Does the announced phase-out / downgrade to Basic also apply to newly ordered SMB FREE instances, or is there a transition arrangement for new orders?
2. Can the new Basic Edition also be hosted by 3CX, or would self-hosting be required going forward?

I'd appreciate a brief reply on this.

Thank you and best regards