Tag: broadband

ISDN Switch Off: The Deadline Is Now January 2027

Posted on by Jake Boase

This page has been updated. The ISDN switch off did not complete in December 2025. Openreach extended the deadline, and the analogue network now shuts down permanently on 31 January 2027.

For the current position, including the 2026 price rises on legacy lines and what happens to alarms, lifts and card machines, read our full guide: The Big Switch Off: what the January 2027 landline shutdown means for your business.

What is ISDN?

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It is a digital line that runs over copper wiring, and it was considerably faster than the traditional analogue lines that came before it, carrying both data and voice calls. Its weakness is that it depends entirely on physical copper infrastructure, which is expensive to maintain and increasingly difficult to repair.

Why the date moved

Openreach announced back in 2015 that it would stop selling ISDN in 2020 and switch the network off in 2025. The stop sell happened as planned in September 2023, and no new ISDN or analogue lines have been available since.

The final shutdown, however, was pushed back. In 2024 the deadline moved from December 2025 to 31 January 2027, largely to allow more time to migrate vulnerable users and telecare devices safely. That extension is the reason this page needed rewriting.

The new date is fixed. Openreach has been clear it will not move again, and exchanges are already being migrated in phases, so many businesses will lose analogue service before January 2027 rather than on the day itself.

There is now a further reason not to wait. Lines not moved by 31 January 2027 may be put on Openreach’s temporary emergency voice service, but ISDN and multi-line services are not covered by it, according to Gamma’s September 2026 statement. An ISDN system left in place risks being ceased. The full guide explains what happens after the deadline.

What to do if you still have an ISDN line

You need to migrate to a digital service, which in practice means VoIP. Your existing numbers can be ported across, so nothing changes for your customers.

Two things are worth knowing. First, VoIP depends on your internet connection, so if your broadband is also running over the old copper network it makes sense to upgrade both together. Second, it is not only phones that are affected. Alarm panels, lift emergency lines, door entry systems and older card terminals all commonly sit on analogue lines and need their own migration path.

Legacy line rental is also rising steeply through 2026 in three separate wholesale increases, so staying on copper is now the expensive option as well as the one with a deadline attached.

Get help before the deadline

We migrate businesses across West Sussex from ageing ISDN and analogue setups onto modern hosted phone systems, handling the audit, the number porting and the connectivity as one project.

Call 01903 255 159 or read the full Big Switch Off guide to see what applies to you.

One in five homes can get full fibre broadband

Posted on by Jake Boase

More than one in five UK homes can now access faster, full-fibre broadband, according to new figures published by Ofcom.

Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations data highlights broadband and mobile coverage across the UK and its nations.

As of January this year, around six million UK homes (21%) could get full-fibre broadband – up from 18% in September last year. Broadband delivered over full-fibre networks is faster and more reliable than the decades-old copper connections that most people still use.

There has also been a significant increase in the availability of gigabit-capable connections. This includes broadband delivered over full fibre networks and the fastest cable technology. 11 million homes (37%) can now get gigabit-capable services – up from around 8 million (27%) last September.

Availability of superfast broadband remains at 96% and mobile coverage has remained stable. Mobile coverage is set to increase across the UK as companies continue to roll out a Shared Rural Network.

Source: www.ofcom.org.uk

What is SoGEA Broadband?

Posted on by Jake Boase

SoGEA Overview

You want it, you got it

You want to get your internet faster and at an attractive price. So say hello to single order generic ethernet access, or the more easily said, SoGEA. It’ll be familiar to you as our current broadband service with that extra wow factor, including easy ordering, less complications and better pricing.

Single line, no PSTN line

We’ve improved the order journey so now in just one order, we can now get internet to our customers quicker than before. With no need to make two orders, one for PSTN and one for ethernet, life’s a lot easier.

Fast ethernet. Friendly prices.

SoGEA is around 30 per cent cheaper than our our FTTC (Fibre To The Cabinet). And with just one order to manage, you can get internet from us quickly, with an improved experience.

Building on our network

Our network of tomorrow is home to our leading-class ethernet services. So you can rest in confidence that you’re getting an internet service that is robust, reliable and far-reaching.

Small changes, big differences

SoGEA is just like our existing FTTC. Except for the fact that it’s around 30 per cent cheaper, is done in one order and can help you save costs.  Want to know more about SoGEA? Read all about it

When it comes down to it, you want to get your internet fast and at a good price. That’s where our ‘rolls-off-the-tongue’ single order generic ethernet access, or SoGEA, comes in. It’s our entry-level ethernet service that’s as good as it was before. But now it comes with easy ordering, less complications and better pricing. What more could you want?

It’s fine without the PSTN line

With SoGEA, we’ve improved the order journey. Now it just takes one order, meaning you can get your ethernet set up and running for your customers simpler and quicker than before. Gone is the process of having to make two orders, one for PSTN and once installed, a further ethernet order.

The Broadband of tomorrow. In one easy order journey

Quicker installs

As there’s only one line you’ll be able to deliver your service quicker and cheaper compared to when you had to order a PSTN line. You’ll get up and running faster so you can start browsing the web sooner.

We’ve got you covered

Not only do we deliver some of the fastest broadband speeds, but we have some of the widest coverage too, reaching over 28.5 million premises. Which means we’ll have you covered from now, up to the PSTN switch off and beyond.

Helping you prepare for an all-IP future

Get head of the 2025 switch-off. We’ll be on hand to help throughout the whole process. You can say goodbye to the PSTN line early with SoGEA for broadband and we’ll make sure the transition is as seamless as possible.

Be better than the rest

Our network performs better than the industry average on latency, packet loss and jitter. And we can give you industry-leading maximum, average, peak-time and minimum fibre speeds.

Ethernet at its best

Great ethernet at great prices

On top of the fact that you can get GEA quicker and via a simpler service experience, SoGEA for ethernet is also approximately 30 per cent cheaper than our GEA-FTTC. With only one order to manage and one line to pay for, you can deliver connectivity to your customers fast, improving customer experience and enabling you to generate revenue quicker too.

A network you can rely on

Our ethernet services are built on our network of the future. You can take advantage of our investments and innovation and a national core and backhaul network that runs at better than 99.999 availability. So you can give your customers the reliability they need.

Same but better

SoGEA for ethernet is still the same GEA service which includes the existing flexibility that you can support asymmetric bandwidths within the same fixed price structure. It just now comes in a single order that saves time, money and effort.

Sound good to you?

If you’re interested in taking the next step of adding SoGEA for ethernet to your portfolio, get in touch with one of our experts and they can help.

How to test broadband speed

Posted on by Matt Jones

Testing a home line, or a business one? The method is the same either way. If the line is at home and the speed is not what you pay for, our home broadband page sets out the packages. If it is a business line, SoGEA, full fibre and leased lines are the upgrades worth knowing about.

We live in a world which near enough everything uses some form of internet signal. Confirming that our internet signal is working properly is one of the most important things when it comes to your business and how it functions. So the question is, how do you test your internet speed?

To test your broadband speed you can use our broadband speed check tool to get a snapshot of your current download and upload speed. There’s no charge, so do as many tests as you like. We encourage you to do as many as you can (and at different times/days) to build a more accurate overall picture of the speeds you are getting and gives your provider and insight as to what is happening.

One thing to keep in mind is speed tests are not definitive nor do they show you what speeds you should be getting. Multiple variables can come into play that effect your broadband speed.

This test is designed for broadband connections of all types, including mobile broadband and smartphones, and is compatible with all major web browsers on desktop, mobile, and gaming platforms.Ready to buy a new broadband package? Enter a postcode to see the best deals in your area.

How does the broadband speed test work? 

Our broadband speed test measures is performed by measuring the time it takes for the server to reply to a request from the user’s client. The client sends a message to the server, upon receiving that message, the server sends a reply back. The round-trip time is measured is measured in ms (milliseconds). This test is repeated multiple times with the lowest value determining the final result. This provides a simple, clear, real-world measurement of broadband speed. 

The test provides accurate measurements of download and upload speeds for any type of broadband connection by dynamically assessing the speed and automatically adjusting in order to achieve the maximum throughput of the line. Data transferred during the test is not saved to your computer.

Is the broadband speed checker free?

ATS Connection’s internet speed test is completely free and always will be. We feel it’s important for all internet users to be able to get a quick internet speed result so they can see what speeds they are receiving. Not sure what speed you should be receiving? Call us on 01903 255 159 to find out.

What is the best way to test internet speed? 

Before using the broadband speed check you should close all other programs and disconnect or switch off any other devices in your household. When possible, connect to the broadband router with a network (ethernet) cable. If using Wi-Fi you should stand next to the router and not use any signal boosters. Speeds can vary during the day, so test at different times to get a more accurate picture of your broadband speed. Remember to take a note of both download and upload speeds. You can then put them into our upload and download time calculator to see how long your own files would take.

Why is the speed I get different from the speed advertised?

Get told one thing from your broadband provider and getting something different on there speed results? There are a number of reasons why the speed test may report a different figure to the speed advertised when you signed up for the broadband.

Home broadband is advertised with an “average” download speed which is achieved by 50% of customers, but of course, your connection could be slower (or faster) than average depending on various variables in the environment. 

But there are other reasons why the connection might be slower than expected. Software running on your device and other users sharing the connection will all impact the test. Wi-Fi can be slower than a cabled connection, while old house wiring can affect home broadband speeds (try to be sure your router is plugged into your main BT master socket). Your supplier may also prioritise different types of broadband traffic. And mobile internet is heavily dependant on having a strong signal and can be noticeably slower in busy areas. The router your broadband provider has supplied you could also be an older version or even a cheap underperforming router.

What now?

So you have ran the speed test multiple times but are still finding your speeds are less than what you were told by your broadband provider? While there are multiple variables that can come into play, you are entitled to your minimum download speed (more information here) offered by your provider. In fact, you can now easily get out of your contract if it is proven that you are not receiving the speeds mentioned to you when signing up.

Broadband can be a problem for many households, especially rural. But ATS Connection offer lighting fast speeds at a cost effective price, while offering local support for the times you need us. Check out our broadband information page here.

5 Things that a small business should know about WiFi

Posted on by Jake Boase

Buying a WiFi solution from your business can be complicated, but here’s 5 things that you should know to help you make the right decision for your business in terms of the most practical broadband solution.

1. Number of users

You should consider how many users are going to be on your WiFi network before anything else. Whether it’s just staff or staff and customers, your WiFi should be able to uphold their requirements and stay reliable, even with everyone connected. A slow internet connection can result in slower speeds, leading to less productivity.

2. Number of routers

Routers, also known as access points (APs), are an important factor in any business WiFi solution. Having the right number of APs is important because it will ensure that you have good, reliable coverage across your premises. If you have a large building or hotel, the chances are you are going to need multiple AP’s around the building to ensure a good coverage around the building with no drop out points.

3. Coverage 

Coverage is another important factor when considering a new WiFi solution. Ask yourself how much of your premises you need covered? Is there an outside area? Do you have outbuildings or larger offices that may require multiple APs? Knowing this will help your broadband provider set up the best broadband system for you, covering all areas you need internet signal.

4. Guest network

Some businesses may require a guest network, alongside their staff network. If this is the case, you may need more broadband lines, or even a leased line, to keep up with the high demand of guest network. A guest network allows you to separate the private network to run on its own channel, meaning a more secure line. You can also then prioritise the bandwidth accordingly ensuring the private wifi has most of the power.

5. Login pages

A common use of WiFi is to gather email addresses for marketing purposes. This can be done using a bespoke guest WiFi solution from ATS Connection. It enables you to provide a login page for guests to help you gather data for marketing.

Knowing the answer to these 5 points will allow you to receive the most productive fibre broadband solution for your business. The team here at ATS Connection will help you answer these questions to allow us to supply you with the most cost-effective way of generating the best results. Call our broadband team now on 01903 255 159 or visit our fibre broadband packages.

What is a Leased Line?

Posted on by Matt Jones

A leased line is a dedicated, fixed-bandwidth, symmetric data connection. We will move onto what that means in a moment. A leased line is used to link two locations together from point A to point B. The first location is typically an office. The second location is typically another office, a data centre that’s connected to the Internet or a data centre that’s connected to the company’s existing Wide Area Network.

What is a Leased Line Used For?

Businesses use leased lines for multiple reasons. These reasons include:

  • A strong connection to the internet
  • To link PCs and servers in different offices (locations)
  • Perform phone calls which do not get disturbed
  • Enable a strong VPN connection for those working away from the office.

Leased Lines are Dedicated

Leased lines are ‘dedicated‘ lines. This means that along the route of your leased line, the bandwidth you need has been reserved solely for your use. So no matter how busy your broadband was or how many calls you were receiving, your internet would easily be able to handle the demand.

We all know what it is like being a home user and the internet slowing down at peak times. But unlike consumer Internet connections, the bandwidth available does not fall at peak times, when other customers of the same ISP try to use their connections at the same time as you. To put it simply, a leased line can handle heavy demand.

Leased Lines are Symmetric

This means users of a leased line can upload data at the same fast speed at which they can can download data. This can be useful if staff need to do any of the following:

  • Be able to access their work desktops from home
  • The ability to send large files
  • Backup data using online services
  • Host softwares on a serve in an office
  • Maximise VOIP telephone services

Not just an Internet Connection (unless you want it to)

It’s common for companies to buy Internet access at the same time they buy a leased line. However a leased line is not the same thing as an Internet connection.

As an example, a pipe can be used to carry a number of different things (e.g.water, gas, sewage), so in the same instance a leased line can be used to carry a number of different types of data traffic (Internet traffic, phone calls, VPN traffic). There’s no requirement to buy Internet access on a leased line, it can cope with all forms of internet and phone calls.

If you end up getting Internet access along with a leased line, there’s no requirement that you get enough to fill the leased line. For example, you might choose to get 15Mbit/s of Internet access on a 20Mbit/s leased line, which in turn could be provisioned over a 100Mbit/s circuit.  You could use 5Mbit/s for WAN traffic and VoIP calls, and there would be 80Mbit/s spare for future usage.

What is a Leased Line Likely to Deliver, Speed-wise?

the most popular connection speeds are 2Mbps, 10Mbps and 100Mbps, even though connections of 10,000 Mbit/s (10 Gigabits per second) are possible if money is no object.

What is a leased line likely to cost you? As a rough rule of thumb, 10Mbps connections cost twice as much as 2Mbps connections. And 100Mbps connections cost twice as much as 10Mbps connections.

Advantages of a Dedicated Connection (compared to ADSL)

  • Faster download speeds
  • Faster upload speeds
  • Internet connections that don’t slow down at peak times
  • Heavily improved reliability
  • Better support

Disadvantages of a Dedicated Connection (compared to ADSL)

  • Cost – Leased line costs have fallen, but leased lines are still much more expensive than ADSL connections.
  • Longer Wait – Leased lines may take about three months to install rather than two weeks as standard on ADSL.
  • Physical Installation – Installing leased lines is also more complex than installing ADSL, as ADSL can be provided over a pre-existing circuit (your phone line). A leased line will require a new circuit, and is likely to require some construction work to connect your building to the leased line provider’s network.

What Is A Leased Line Likely To Cost Me?

This depends on to main reasons

  • The speed of connection you want
  • Your location and
  • The length of the contract you’re willing to sign. Because of this it often takes leased line providers days to provide you with a quote.

To know more on the leased lines we supply here at ATS Connection contact us now