SoGEA vs FTTP
WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR BUSINESS
What you can achieve, benefits and limitations
UNDERSTANDING SOGEA AND FTTP
SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access} and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) will both become crutical to businesses when the ISDN switch off occurs in January 2027 and will likely factor in to your business decision-making as you look to modernise your business communications solutions. Neither of these broadband technologies rely on traditional phone line, and, both simplify the infrastructure that needs to be maintained in the delivery of a broadband service.
Business need for high-speed and reliable connectivity is nothing new, which is a factor driving the full-fibre rollout across the UK.
By the end of this blog, you will understand how SoGEA compares to FTTP and why your business will be suited to one or the other. But first, it’s worth considering the key components that make up business-grade broadband.
BUSINESS BROADBAND
WHAT YOU NEED
- High-speed connectivity
- Reliability and uptime
- Security
- Low latency
- Future-proof solution
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
KEY COMPONENTS OF BUSINESS-GRADE BROADBAND
High-speed Connectivity | Speed is a critical factor for businesses, particularly for those managing substantial data volumes, utilising cloud-based applications, or conducting video conferences. |
Reliability | Reliability is critical for business operations since downtime can lead to decreased productivity, lost revenue, and diminished customer trust. Business-grade broadband is engineered to provide superior uptime and reliable connections. |
Security | Security is crucial for safeguarding business data and ensuring regulatory compliance. Business broadband packages frequently include advanced security features such as VPNs, firewalls, and dedicated IP addresses. |
Low Latency | Latency refers to the time delay before the start of data transfer after an instruction has been given. Low latency is crucial for real-time applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and online trading. |
Futureproofing | Business-grade broadband needs to be future-proof to match the pace of advancing technology and increasing data demands. The capacity for upgrades with minimal changes to infrastructure is crucial. |
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) | Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in business-grade broadband ensure guaranteed uptime, response times, and issue resolution, giving businesses peace of mind that their connection is prioritised. |
But how does this relate to SoGEA vs FTTP we hear you say? We mentioned ISDN – the traditional copper technology – is being phased out and this in part is due to the reliability, connectivity and futureproofing that businesses need. We want to provide you the solutions now before the anticipated bottleneck that the industry will likely see the closer we get to January 2027. Let’s dive into what SoGEA and FTTP are.
WHAT IS SoGEA?
SoGEA is a broadband internet service that removes the need for a traditional phone line to deliver internet connectivity. It relies on the Generic Ethernet Access (GEA) standard.
The speeds achieved match that of FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) without your service provider having to maintain the additional line – less costs involved! The speeds achieved with SoGEA are dependent on the distance from the cabinet but a business will generally see 30-80Mbps.
Businesses should see SoGEA as the cost-effective solution that will provide the high-speed connectivity as you will not have to invest in full-fibre infrastructure, relying on the existing network.
WHAT IS FTTP INTERNET?
FTTP on the other hand is a full-fibre (fibre optic) internet service that delivers the high-speed connectivity, reliability and uptime to businesses. Fibre-optics cables enable your business premises to be connected directly to your internet service provider’s network.
Businesses will see high-speed connectivity from 100Mbps up to 1Gbps, which will benefit those workforces that transfer a lot of data: streaming or cloud-based applications like SAGE.
Businesses should see FTTP internet as the solution for high-demand workloads, that comes with stronger SLAs to ensure low latency and uptime.
The caveat for FTTP, is that it is only available in areas where full-fiber networks are available. Openreach have created a list of locations where FTTP is available to simplify your decision-making.
SUMMARY:
To summarise, if high-speed, dependable internet is what you seek and FTTP is accessible in your area, it typically stands as the best broadband option. On the other hand, if FTTP has not reached your area, SOGEA may serve as an economical alternative.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the biggest advantages of FTTP is its future-proof nature. Fiber optic cables have a much higher capacity than copper cables, meaning they can handle increasing data demands without needing major upgrades. This makes FTTP a long-term solution that can adapt to future technology needs.
FTTP VS SoGEA
When choosing between FTTP and SoGEA, it’s crucial to assess your business’s unique needs.
FTTP is the superior choice for businesses that handle large data transfers. On the other hand, SoGEA might be the more economical and appropriate option for businesses requiring high-speed internet for fundamental tasks like email, web browsing, and online collaboration.
Service availability in your region is another vital consideration.
FTTP is accessible to a select number of businesses, while SoGEA offers broader coverage. Ultimately, both FTTP and SoGEA provide robust solutions for businesses in need of high-speed internet connections.
| SoGEA | FTTP | |
|---|---|---|
Speed | Up To 80Mbps | Up to 1Gbps |
Deployment | Existing Copper Lines | Fibre Optic Lines |
Installation | Quick and Simple using existing infrastructure | Longer installation times relying on Openreach rollout |
Cost | Typically lower cost | Usually higher cost due to new infrastructure installations |
Suitability | Good for areas where fibre isn’t available | Limited availability at this present time |
Use Cases | ||
Cost Conscious Business | ||
Popup Business | ||
Medium Bandwidth Needs | ||
High Bandwidth Needs | ||
Quick Office Relocation | ||
Low Latency | ||
Scalable for Future Growth |
WHICH SOLUTION SUITS YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS?
As we have previously mentioned there are limitations to service availability when it comes to FTTP. But, that doesn’t make the decision any easier for those businesses that are able to choose between one or the other.
So here are a couple of scenarios that might help lighten that decision.
Scenario One: Small Retail Business
Business Needs:
The retail business has a moderate internet usage profile, mainly for point-of-sale systems, email, and occasional video calls. They are looking to control costs while still ensuring reliable internet service. There needs to be minimal operational disruption.
Reason:
- SOGEA is generally quicker and less expensive to install than FTTP because it often uses existing copper lines rather than requiring new fibre infrastructure.
- For a small retail business, the priority might be to get online quickly and affordably rather than waiting for FTTP installation.
- Lower installation costs and faster deployment make SOGEA a practical choice.
Scenario Two: Law Firm – New Office
Business Needs:
The law firm requires a reliable and secure connection for handling sensitive client information, video conferencing, and large file transfers. They need a quick setup to minimise downtime during the move.
Reason:
- While FTTP would provide superior speeds and future-proofing, the installation process can be lengthy and disruptive, which may not align with the law firm’s tight moving schedule.
- SOGEA offers a faster installation since it leverages existing copper lines and can be set up relatively quickly compared to FTTP.
- The law firm may opt for SOGEA for its quicker installation to ensure minimal disruption during their transition to the new office, with the understanding that they might consider upgrading to FTTP in the future if needed.
Scenario Three: Healthcare Facility
Business Needs:
The healthcare facility requires a stable and high-speed internet connection for patient records, telemedicine, and other critical applications. The facility needs to upgrade its connectivity to improve services and ensure data security.
Reason:
- FTTP provides the high speeds and reliability necessary for handling large volumes of sensitive data and ensuring smooth telemedicine services.
- The facility might accept the longer installation time and higher costs for the robust performance and future-proofing that FTTP offers.
- Although the installation of FTTP might be disruptive and require significant infrastructure work, the healthcare facility prioritises the high performance and reliability of FTTP to meet their critical operational needs.
OUR THOUGHTS
Picking suitable business-grade broadband will liklely be impacted by different factors such as installation speed, costs, and infrastructure availability can influence the decision between SOGEA and FTTP.
Whichever broadband solution you decide on, Enreach can support you. We can even guide you through the decision-making process if you are still unsure. We have 20+ connectivity experience and our team of Specialists will help you through every part of your planning and implementation.
FTTP will be for your business if your priorities are high bandwidth, reliability, and future-proofing, and where the business can accommodate potentially longer and more complex installation processes.
SOGEA will be ideal if cost, installation speed, and leveraging existing infrastructure are priority, especially in areas where FTTP is not yet available.
Discover How We Will Solve Your Business Broadband Challenges
BUSINESS BROADBAND GUIDE
Navigating the options when choosing to upgrade your business broadband can be daunting. To help you choose the right configuration of features and to answer your top questions, we’ve put together a series of detailed articles to form a guide.
We hope this guide will help you make an informed decision that will benefit your business by improving communications and productivity. Below you can find links to popular content within the guide, or you can view a complete list of the articles in our business broadband guide.
HOME BROADBAND V BUSINESS BROADBAND
As a business owner you may have wondered, when searching for a suitable broadband package that meets your specific needs, what exactly the differences are between a domestic broadband package and a business broadband package.
THE END OF ISDN IS APPROACHING
Did you know the UK is set to discontinue traditional ISDN phone lines by 2027? As of 2027, ISDN and PSTN circuits will be switched off and customers will move over to Cloud Telephone Systems. But, what should your business do in the meantime and what will these changes mean for your business?
SOGEA BROADBAND QUOTE
Get a quote for your business broadband today and one of our specialists will guide you through the entire process.
Frequently asked questions
SOGEA, or Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, is a broadband service that merges an Ethernet connection with a telephone line, removing the necessity for a separate voice service. This streamlines both billing and installation processes.
Indeed, SOGEA removes the necessity for a traditional phone line by delivering broadband via the existing copper line, without the need for an active voice service.
Speak to us today about business phone numbers and we can provide you with a cloud phone system which will enable us to port your numbers.
The availability of SOGEA is generally more accessible in regions where FTTC has been implemented, although its availability is not universal. We will be able to advise during the quotation stage.
Yes, you can upgrade to FTTP if it becomes available in your area. You would need to contact us to arrange for the upgrade and confirm service availability.