SoGEA Broadband

SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. SoGEA delivers the same performance and data rates as FTTC broadband. It uses the same infrastructure and has the same geographic availability, future-proofing connectivity as the UK moves to an all-IP network. The only difference is the need for a phone line has been removed.

Until now you needed to have a traditional phone line installed to deliver broadband to a home or office, but SoGEA broadband doesn’t run over a phone line; instead, it uses the same fibre/copper network without the WLR (Wholesale Line Rental = Phone line) element. SoGEA is a dedicated line that delivers a broadband connection and includes an underlying version of a phone line. This means that customers moving to SoGEA from a phoneline-reliant broadband solution will need a voice call service that uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to continue to be able to make and receive phone calls. SoGEA provides a broadband solution using the existing fibre/copper network, where fibre to the premises (FTTP) is not yet available.

Why do you need SoGEA?

In 2017, British Telecom announced their intention to switch off the existing telephone network completely, having migrated all services to the newer and more efficient fibre broadband network. Therefore, come December 2025 the entire UK Wholesale Line Rental network will cease to exist. However, it would be a mistake to think about waiting until nearer the 2025 deadline, as the migration of services is happening today and will pick up pace over time. SoGEA provides an effective solution today by using the existing fibre/copper network, making it available to more than 90% of premises across the United Kingdom.

Important Note: You will need a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) voice product or a hosted telephony platform if you want to continue to make and receive voice calls and use your existing telephone number. It is essential that the porting of any existing phone numbers is completed before the service is switched to SoGEA, or numbers can be irretrievably lost.

The benefits of SoGEA

• Cut Costs:
  Because you are only paying for a broadband data connection, your monthly costs will be lower as the landline rental cost is no longer included.
  
• Deal with only one provider:
  With SoGEA everything comes from us and you are no longer tied into a landline contract with someone else. Benefit from only one point of contact and faster fault resolution.
  
• Increased reliability:
  SoGEA is using an established network without the addition of a phone line so the chance of interference or an unstable connection is lower.
  
• Quicker installation:
  You only place one order with us for SoGEA, making it quicker to install and minimising disruption to your business.
  
• Great for homeworking:
  Many UK businesses are shifting towards a hybrid workforce, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so having good connectivity at home has become essential for many. SoGEA is quicker to install, easier to manage and works well with UCaaS and hosted telephony products.
  
• Future-proof connectivity:
  The PSTN network will be switched off by the end of 2025, and many PSTN exchanges are already under notice of switch-off as the UK prepares for the move to full fibre. SoGEA enables you to have a broadband or ethernet connection agnostic of the PSTN network, future-proofing your business connectivity.