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What is SoGEA broadband?
Broadband providers are nudging their customers into switching to VoIP systems as the end of the traditional landline approaches.
SoGEA is at the forefront of this strategy, offering part-fibre business broadband without any overheads of analogue landlines.
But what is SoGEA really, who is it for, and who is offering it?
💡 Key takeaways:
- SoGEA is FTTC broadband without the burdens of a landline: It’s cheaper, simpler and more secure.
- SoGEA lets providers continue to offer part-fibre connections, unaffected by the up-and-coming big switch-off in 2027.
- SoGEA is typical in smaller businesses in rural areas and is a slower alternative to full fibre business broadband.
What is SoGEA?
SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) is, put simply, FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) broadband but without a landline.
It uses the same part-fibre, part-copper wire infrastructure as FTTC, so fibre optics cover the length to the nearest street cabinet, and copper wires cover the short journey into your business premises.
The key difference lies in the business broadband router. The SoGEA router is solely designed to handle internet traffic and does not include a port to plug in a phone or a microfilter to split voice and data signals. In contrast, FTTC routers are equipped to connect to both.
See the key differences between FTTC and SoGEA here.
Why was SoGEA introduced?
Business broadband providers have been offering SoGEA since 2019, as it became clear that traditional landlines would be phased out during the big switch-off in 2027.
At this date, Openreach will no longer support traditional telephony on copper wires; instead, it will only support broadband internet traffic on this infrastructure.
While FTTC can technically offer broadband without a landline, SoGEA is fully optimised to provide landline-less broadband, presenting a better solution.
This is especially important since millions of homes and businesses (especially in rural and remote locations) still rely on copper wires for broadband.
Key features and benefits of SoGEA broadband
The table below outlines the key features of SoGEA, emphasising its main differences with FTTC broadband:
| SoGEA Feature | Description | SoGEA vs FTTC |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Uses existing copper lines for the final leg from the street cabinet to the premises. | Both use the same network infrastructure. |
| No landline | Offers broadband only; does not require a traditional landline. | FTTC includes a phone line service. |
| Simple installation | Simple installation process as it doesn't require a phone line connection. | FTTC requires a more complex installation including the phone line. |
| Low costs | SoGEA is cheap broadband as it does not require landline installation or line rental. | FTTC is typically more expensive due to the traditional phone line component. |
| More reliable | Higher reliability with fewer potential points of failure, since it's a single service. | FTTC is slightly less reliable as it must focus on both broadband and phone services. |
| More secure | Higher security because there are fewer points of failure and forces a router update. | Similar cybersecurity, but with more points of failure. |
| Speeds | Speeds comparable to FTTC broadband, which depend on the distance to the street cabinet and the quality of the copper cable. | Both offer similar speeds. |
| Service providers | Available from major UK broadband providers, often marketed as a more streamlined broadband option. | Both SoGEA and FTTC are available from major providers. |
| Service availability | Available in areas where fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband is offered. | Both are available in the same areas, as they use the same infrastructure. |
| VoIP Telephony | SoGEA can continue to support voice telephony by using VoIP (i.e. voice calls through the internet). | FTTC supports both traditional phone lines and VoIP. |
| Available to businesses | Suitable for both small business and residential customers. | Both are suitable. |
💡Note: As SoGEA is equivalent in speed and latency to FTTC, it may be more easily subject to broadband throttling compared to more performant connections.
How does a SoGEA connection work?
Here’s how the internet “travels” from your provider’s servers to your premises using a SoGEA connection:
- Provider’s Servers: The internet connection starts at your business broadband provider’s servers, which manage data and routing onto the world wide web.
- Local Exchange: Data travels through fibre optic cables to the local exchange, a central hub that connects multiple properties to the internet.
- Street Cabinet: Data is routed from the local exchange to a street cabinet near your premises via fibre optic cables.
- Copper Cables: The internet connection is carried from the street cabinet to your premises over existing copper telephone lines. Unlike FTTC, no telephony signals are transmitted.
- Modem/Router: A modem/router at your premises connects to the incoming copper line, translating the signal into a usable internet connection. The router does not have a phone port and cannot split broadband and voice signals.
- Devices: The modem/router distributes the internet connection to your devices through wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
How is SoGEA installed?
Installing SoGEA broadband at your business premises is straightforward and usually doesn’t require an engineer’s visit.
Here are the typical steps for a small business installation:
1. Order placement
User selects a SoGEA package from their business broadband provider. The provider processes the order and schedules installation.
2. Line check
A line check is done to ensure the copper line from the street cabinet to the premises is suitable for SoGEA. This may involve a remote check or an engineer visit.
3. Engineer Visit (if required)
If needed, an engineer visits on the scheduled date, accessing the street cabinet and premises to prepare the line for SoGEA.
4. Modem/Router Setup
The business broadband provider supplies a SoGEA-configured modem/router. The user or engineer connects it to the existing copper line and sets it up.
5. Configuration
The modem/router is configured according to the provider’s instructions, including login credentials and Wi-Fi setup. It synchronises with the network.
6. Testing
The connection is tested to ensure it works correctly. Speed and stability are verified by the engineer or user.
7. Completion
Once confirmed, the installation is complete. The user can then use their SoGEA broadband service.
Who is SoGEA for?
SoGEA broadband can benefit businesses of all sizes and industries.
As the modern equivalent of FTTC, it is often considered ideal for smaller business broadband customers without a critical need for a high-performance connection. Examples include retail stores, cafes and restaurants, small offices and remote farms.
However, SoGEA has also proven useful as a cost-effective broadband redundancy solution in enterprise and niche markets. If the primary, faster connection fails (usually a leased-line), SD-WAN or another automated network manager (such as cybersecurity software) can use the SoGEA connection as a backup or to support less critical traffic.
Which providers offer a SoGEA solution?
Here’s a comprehensive list of UK business broadband providers offering SoGEA broadband:
| Provider | Description |
|---|---|
| BT Business Broadband | One of the first to offer SoGEA, providing reliable and widespread coverage. |
| TalkTalk Business Broadband | Offers competitive SoGEA packages tailored for business needs. |
| Sky Business Broadband | Provides SoGEA services with a focus on robust customer support. |
| Vodafone Business Broadband | Offers SoGEA with flexible plans and strong network performance. |
| Zen Internet | Known for excellent customer service and high-quality SoGEA broadband options. |
| Plusnet Business | Offers cost-effective SoGEA packages with reliable service. |
| Virgin Media Business Broadband | Provides SoGEA with high-speed options and business-focused solutions. |
| Gamma | Specialises in unified communications and SoGEA broadband for businesses. |
| Daisy Communications | Provides a range of telecom services, including SoGEA broadband. |
Note: Local or niche providers offering SoGEA may not be listed here.
SoGEA – FAQs
Our business broadband experts answer commonly asked questions on SoGEA in the UK:
Is SoGEA the same as full-fibre broadband?
No, SoGEA is not the same as full fibre broadband. SoGEA uses the existing fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) infrastructure, with fibre optic cables running to the street cabinet and copper cables connecting from the cabinet to the premises. Full-fibre broadband, also known as fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), uses fibre optic cables all the way to the premises, offering faster speeds and greater reliability.
Read our FTTC vs FTTP article to understand the key differences between part-fibre (FTTC and SoGEA) and full fibre technologies.
Do you need a SoGEA adapter?
No, a specific SoGEA adapter is not needed. All your business will need is a compatible modem/router provided by your business broadband provider, which is configured to work with SoGEA.
Do I need a new business broadband router to be installed for SoGEA?
Yes, in most cases, you will need a new modem/router that is specifically configured for SoGEA, which will be provided by your business broadband provider. Even if your existing FTTC router is compatible, you should use the provided one to ensure you cover your cybersecurity essentials.
Using older devices may pose a security risk and make you vulnerable to unforeseeable cybersecurity threats.
SoGEA vs FTTC
Put simply, SoGEA is FTTC broadband without the landline. It is cheaper because it doesn’t require business phone line rental, and installation and maintenance are more straightforward.
Find the best cheapest business broadband prices in your area with our business broadband comparison service.
What is the benefit of a SoGEA line?
A SoGEA line will allow your business to continue using the existing copper cable infrastructure for tethered broadband. FTTC will be phased out in December 2027 as part of the big switch-off.
SoGEA is also cheaper, more secure, and simpler than FTTC broadband. See the key features here.
Who was the first provider to offer SoGEA?
BT was the first business broadband provider to offer SoGEA in 2019. TalkTalk and Sky Broadband followed suit in 2020, and Vodafone and Zen Internet began offering it in 2021.
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