SoGEA or FTTP? – Which connectivity solution is best suited for your business

SoGEA or FTTP? – Which connectivity solution is best suited for your business  

As the clock ticks down to 2025, more businesses are debating which connectivity solution is the best for them. The 2025 ISDN switch-off will cut off all traditional telephone lines, which many businesses rely on.  

But there are two options you can rely on to replace your old ISDN connection: SoGEA and FTTP. Here’s everything you need to know about these internet solutions and which one is better for you.  

What is SoGEA broadband? 

SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access and it’s the likely future of internet connectivity in the UK. It works by using a single ethernet cable to get your business onto the web. 

Consider making the switch to SoGEA if:  

  • You need to switch from ISDN lines before 2025 
  • Have no phone line connection available  
  • Have business in a limited or rural green cabinet fibre area 
  • Are looking to reduce connectivity costs  

How is SoGEA different to FTTC?  

SoGEA is slightly different to your usual fibre connection that you may have in your home or business already. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) works through the green cabinets to get your business online. The good thing about having an ethernet connection is that it doesn’t require a phone line like FTTC.  Top four benefits of SoGEA connectivity  

So, why should you make the switch to this type of internet? There are many reasons why getting an ethernet connection is so appealing, but these are the best that you need to know:  

1. Have the same provider for your VoIP and internet  

Many internet providers now offer a VOIP phone system alongside an internet connection. That makes it easier for you when it comes to renewing your contract or getting in touch to solve any issues. Having a combined package saves you time when shopping around from multiple providers.  2. Available in 95% of the UK  

Getting a great fibre connection isn’t always easy or affordable for some businesses. But wherever you are and whatever your budget, but this internet type offers a solution. It’s available almost everywhere, so you can get your business online without worry.  

3. Installation takes less than a week on average 

The biggest worry about getting a new internet connection is the wait time. How long will it take to install? How long will your business be offline? SoGEA can be up and running in around 5 days. It’s much faster and affordable to install than FTTP, which can take anywhere from 9 to 18 working days. 

4. An affordable connectivity solution  

Getting superfast internet broadband can be expensive if you use a premium fibre service. But this is an excellent economic alternative when you need to get online on a budget.  

SoGEA tends to be cheaper than fibre internet because it doesn’t include a phone line, so you don’t have to pay for the phone connection in addition to your internet bill. Get a quote to find out how much an ethernet connection could save you.  

What is FTTP internet?  

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) takes fibre internet all the way from the exchange directly to your business. This VIP connection uses no copper lines or green cabinets, so you avoid sharing any connection with other businesses.  

Consider making the switch to FTTP if you:  

  • Need a dedicated internet connection  
  • Have an office in an unreliable FTTC area 
  • Want to reliably future proof your business 
  • Can afford a higher cost for higher speeds 

Top four benefits of FTTP connectivity 

Getting fibre directly to your office has even more benefits than you’d expect. Here’s what you need to know:  

1. Faster internet than FTTC  

FTTC (Fibre To The Cabinet) is a common solution for many home office workers and businesses. But it does mean sharing a green cabinet connection with everyone else in the same catch area. Fibre to your premises, meanwhile, gets you a dedicated line just for you.  

Some businesses are also considering a leased line to get the internet speeds they need. FTTP is up to four times faster than FTTC and can be as high as 1Gbps.  

Leased lines can have even faster speeds and are the most secure solution, although they are more expensive. Most businesses will be just fine with the speeds fibre offers. See our guide to getting a leased line to see which solution is right for you. 

2. Future proof your online connectivity  

Many businesses in the UK rely on legacy phone broadband lines or copper lines to get connected. In the next few years, these connections will be shut down. Getting FTTP broadband means the ISDN switch off in 2025 will not affect you, so you will have no interruption to your business operations.  

3. No more sharing your connection  

Uploading, downloading, and video calls are all eaffected by your internet connection. Having a slow or unreliable connection can delay your business every single day. When you have FTTC broadband, you share your internet line with multiple offices in your area. Their operations will affect yours. FTTP avoids the effects of others using the internet, so you can operate at your own speed.  

4. Layer scalable and flexible solutions  

Fibre is a highly flexible solution that can be combined with other connectivity features to support your business online. This can include a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to support remote working employees as well as a hosted voice system to replace traditional office phones.  

Interested? Learn more about how FTTP broadband can help your business. Get a broadband quote and one of our experts will be in touch to run you through your options.