Business SoGEA broadband from Crystaline
Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, or SoGEA, is a type of broadband available across the UK. It’s a futureproofed replacement for older broadband connections such as ADSL broadband and even fibre to the cabinet (FTTC).
What is SoGEA broadband?
SoGEA is a data-only service, which means it doesn’t require busi-nesses to install a phoneline to receive broadband connectivity. In-stead, it has a dedicated line that only delivers a fibre-based broadband connection.
Previously, even if a business only wanted broadband, they would have to still pay for line rental as the two services were only offered together. With SoGEA, internet is provided over a single connection at speeds of up to 80 megabits per second.
What are the benefits of SoGEA broadband?
Faster speeds
Compared to ADSL broadband, SoGEA offers huge speed increases of up to 80 megabits per second with superior connection stability.
Cost efficiency
SoGEA comes at a significantly lower monthly rental charge than its alternatives. SoGEA packages also have an unlimited usage policy, meaning you can use as much or as little data as you need for the same monthly fee. It’s also around 30 per cent cheaper than FTTC, making it the most cost-effective broadband solution available.
Futureproofed
SoGEA is a fibre-based broadband technology, meaning it is completely futureproofed and won’t be affected by the upcoming PSTN switch off.
More efficient support
SoGEA is a standalone, broadband-only connection, meaning you don’t have to install or pay for a landline phone to get internet. Businesses only need to place one order with one supplier, which makes the setup and installation process simpler and means there’s just one point of contact for any problems or queries moving forward.
Nationwide availability
While full fibre broadband is often deemed the superior choice it’s still being rolled out across the UK and isn’t available everywhere just yet. SoGEA is the next best thing, available no matter where a business is located within the UK.
SoGEA vs FTTC
You’ll often hear SoGEA alongside FTTC as two of the main broadband options available nationwide. But what is the difference between them?
SoGEA is a line connection solely for broadband purposes, whereas FTTC enables both voice and data services. As SoGEA is broadband-only, it’s a significantly cheaper option than FTTC and it’s also completely futureproofed against the PSTN switch off, since it does not use copper wires to connect from the street cabinets to homes like FTTC does.
Hosted VoIP and SoGEA
If you opt for SoGEA broadband but also need a phoneline, then you’ll need to purchase an additional voice service alongside your internet connection. Hosted VoIP phone systems are a way around this — they offer a phone system that works by making calls over the Internet. Discover more about Crystaline’s hosted VoIP options here.
SoGEA vs FTTC
SoGEA is one of the communication technologies that will still be available after 2025, when the UK’s PSTN will be switched off. The PSTN switch off will see the retirement of the UK’s copper network, which forms part of the system that enables ADSL and FTTC connections as well as traditional phonelines.
As the FTTP rollout is still underway, full fibre broadband isn’t available to every business in the UK yet. SoGEA is a future-proofed alternative to FTTP, available everywhere in the UK, making it ideal for businesses located in areas not yet covered by the full fibre rollout. Discover our other switch off ready connectivity options below.
You can learn more about the PSTN switch off and its implications for businesses over on our content hub.
SoGEA from Crystaline
Crystaline is an independent provider of SoGEA broadband solutions for businesses across the UK. In partnership major broadband providers — BT, Vodafone, Virgin and TalkTalk — Crystaline’s network independence ensures that its customers achieve the most suitable, cost-effective SoGEA package for your small business broadband needs.
Contact our team for more information or to discuss your individual requirements in more detail.