Everything your business needs to know about SoGEA
What is SoGEA broadband?
SoGEA stands for Single Order General Ethernet Access, a bit of a mouthful, probably best we stick to the abbreviation. This line utilises the existing copper phone line to connect the network, these phone lines can be found in almost every building in the country. However, instead of phone calls they are repurposed to transfer data.
SoGEA is an interim solution for areas that currently don’t have access to fibre connection. SoGEA is quicker and cheaper to install than Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) because it doesn’t require any new infrastructure.
Also due to it being a single order line issues can be identified and resolved quickly, another perk is the better service that you’ll receive. Without the phone line interfering traffic is gone meaning you receive better connection speeds.
What’s the difference between SoGEA and FTTC?
Fibre to the cabinet is currently the most common type of broadband connection. Utilising a blend of copper and fibre wires to deliver your property broadband. However, your top speed will always be determined by the slowest part of the wire.
The main difference is mainly within the infrastructure, currently a FTTC connection has a phone line with a fibre broadband connected over the top of it.
Openreach has launched SoGEA, this means no copper phone line is needed. SoGEA broadband just needs to be ordered with no line rental to worry about.
What’s the difference between SoGEA and FTTP?
Fibre to the Premises/Property is a fully fibre connection, from the supplier to the property it is complete fibre cable. Full fibre is becoming available to both residential and business properties but Openreach faces a challenge to supply all the properties with full fibre. SoGEA provides an interim for your property if fibre is not yet available.
FTTP has un-rivalled speeds, if FTTP is available it should be the first choice. Realistically FTTP is the fastest we will be able to go for a while unless we find a way to move something faster than light.
Both are easy to install, cost-effective, and easy to fix. FTTP is an ideal solution for businesses which rely on high internet speeds especially with the move over to VOIP systems.
Do you need to move to SoGEA?
You may know that Openreach are shutting down the ISDN and PSTN network in 2025, many businesses and households still use this connection despite the shutoff being right around the corner.
If Fibre isn’t available for you then you may need to consider moving to SoGEA sooner than later.
Need to move? We can do that for you. We offer super-fast SoGEA and full fibre broadband options.
Want to know what speeds you can reach?
Get in touch today for a quote same day.