Did you recently receive an email from Metanet with the subject «Important information about your PHP version»? You are not alone – many Metanet customers are currently receiving this notification. In this article, I explain what it means, what is coming your way, and how you can easily avoid the additional costs.
What is PHP Extended Support?
Metanet has announced that from 21 July 2026, a paid PHP Extended Support will be automatically activated if you continue using an outdated PHP version. The costs:
- PHP 7.x: CHF 10.90 per month
- PHP 8.0 / 8.1: CHF 4.90 per month
These fees apply per hosting contract and PHP generation – regardless of how many domains are included in that contract. If you run multiple contracts with outdated versions, you pay multiple times accordingly.
Why is Metanet sending this email?
PHP versions have an official support lifecycle. PHP 7.x has not been supported by the vendor since end of 2022 – meaning no more security updates, no bug fixes. PHP 8.0 ended in 2023, PHP 8.1 in 2024. Anyone still running these versions is operating their website on a technically outdated foundation.
Metanet is now offering continued security updates for these end-of-life versions as a paid service – that is the «Extended Support». The alternative: switch to a current version (minimum PHP 8.2, currently recommended PHP 8.3 or 8.4).
What happens if you do nothing?
From 21.07.2026, Extended Support will be automatically activated and billed monthly. This is not a one-time fee – you pay every month as long as you use the old version. For PHP 7.x, that adds up to CHF 130.80 per year per contract.
What you should do now
The good news: the problem can be solved. However, updating a PHP version does not simply mean changing a number in the hosting control panel. Your existing system – whether WordPress, Joomla, TYPO3, Magento or a custom development – must be compatible with the new PHP version. This typically requires an experienced developer.
As a web developer based in Basel, I help you update your website quickly and reliably to PHP 8.2 or higher – before 21 July 2026. This way you avoid Extended Support entirely.
Typical cases I handle regularly:
- WordPress websites with outdated themes or plugins
- TYPO3 installations on older LTS versions
- Joomla websites with extensions from older PHP eras
- Shopware 5 / Magento 1 migrations
- Custom PHP developments on older codebases
How does the PHP update process work?
The process is always similar: first I analyse your system and create a concrete quote. Then the website is updated to the new PHP version on a staging environment and tested. Only when everything runs without errors is the updated version deployed to your live system.
How long it takes depends on the system: a simple WordPress website is often done within a few hours. More complex systems with many extensions or old custom code may take longer.
Act now – avoid Extended Support
You still have time until 21 July 2026 – but do not wait too long. The earlier you act, the smoother the migration will be.
On my PHP Update page you will find all details about my service. You can also request a free quote directly there.
