SoGEA vs FTTC: What’s the Real Difference?

For years, FTTC was the default broadband service across the UK. It powered millions of homes and businesses because it blended fibre with copper and offered faster speeds than the old ADSL days.

But technology moves on — and SoGEA has now become the modern replacement for FTTC.

If you’re wondering:

• What actually changed?

• Why was FTTC replaced?

• Is SoGEA better?

• Should you switch?

This guide explains it clearly, without jargon, so you understand exactly what each service offers and which one is right for your needs.

What Is FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet)?

FTTC uses:

• Fibre from the exchange to the street cabinet

• Copper from the cabinet to your home or office

• A phone line for voice

• Broadband runs over the same line

This design introduced several issues:

• Copper degrades over distance

• Line interference affects broadband quality

• A bad phone line = bad broadband

• Repairs often take longer because engineers check both voice + broadband

In short:

FTTC is half-fibre, half-copper — and the copper half causes the problems.

What Is SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access)?

SoGEA keeps the same fibre-to-cabinet + copper last mile layout but removes the phone line entirely.

No dial tone.
No voice service.
No analogue equipment.

Just broadband — direct.

This makes SoGEA:

• More stable

• Less noisy

• Less likely to drop

• Easier to repair

• Cheaper

• Faster to install

• More predictable day-to-day

SoGEA is what FTTC should have been all along.

SoGEA vs FTTC: The Real Differences Explained

Rather than drown you in tech terminology, here’s the real-world comparison that matters.

1. Stability & Fault Rates

The biggest upgrade is stability.

FTTC

• Voice line + broadband share the same copper

• Any issue with the line affects broadband

• Crackling, interference and noise cause drops

• More Openreach engineering work required

SoGEA

• No phone line

• Broadband has the entire line to itself

• Vastly fewer faults

• More stable connection all day

Winner: SoGEA

Removing the phone layer is transformative.

2. Speeds

This is where many people get confused.

FTTC speeds

• 40/10

• 80/20

SoGEA speeds

• 40/10

• 80/20

They are identical.
So SoGEA isn’t “faster” — but it delivers the same speeds more consistently.

Think of it like:

• Same car

• Better road

• No potholes

• Fewer breakdowns

Winner: Tie (but SoGEA is more consistent)

3. Technology

FTTC:

A VOICE line first… broadband second.

SoGEA:

A BROADBAND line only.

This gives SoGEA a simpler digital backbone.

Winner: SoGEA

4. Installation & Setup

FTTC

• Engineer may need to test the phone line

• Voice and broadband checks

• More equipment involved

SoGEA

• No phone line checks

• Faster activation

• Often just a remote switch-on

• Fewer engineer visits

Winner: SoGEA

5. Cost

FTTC:

You pay line rental + broadband.

SoGEA:

You only pay for the broadband.

This alone makes SoGEA cheaper in most areas.

Winner: SoGEA

6. Reliability Over Distance

Both services use copper for the final stretch, so speed still drops the further you are from the cabinet.

But without voice interference, SoGEA handles this slightly better.

Winner: SoGEA

7. VoIP Compatibility

This is a big one.

Many homes and businesses now use:

• VoIP phones

• Microsoft Teams calling

• 3CX

• Cloud-based phone systems

FTTC:

Works fine, but the phone line is still analogue.

SoGEA:

Designed for digital voice from day one.

Winner: SoGEA

SoGEA vs FTTC: A Quick Side-by-Side Comparison

Who Should Move From FTTC to SoGEA?

You should switch immediately if:

• You’re still paying for a phone line you don’t use

• You want fewer outages

• You’ve had crackling or noisy lines

• You experience random broadband drops

• You want a more modern service

• You’re preparing for VoIP

• You rely on remote work or cloud apps

• FTTP isn’t available yet

In other words:

If you’re on FTTC, moving to SoGEA is a guaranteed upgrade with no downside.

Where FTTP Fits in the Picture

Many people compare SoGEA to FTTP too.

Here’s the quick summary:

• SoGEA: Digitalised FTTC replacement

• FTTP: Full fibre, ultra-fast

• Leased line: Dedicated, guaranteed, up to 100Gb

If FTTP is available, it’s the better long-term option.
If not, SoGEA is the perfect stepping stone until full fibre reaches your area.

So Should You Upgrade?

Yes — if you’re still on FTTC, SoGEA is a cleaner, cheaper, more reliable upgrade with zero disadvantages.

Switching won’t change your setup.
It won’t require major engineering.
It won’t disrupt your service.

But it will give you:

• Better stability

• Lower monthly cost

• Faster activation

• Fewer faults

• VoIP-ready broadband

It’s a no-brainer upgrade for most UK properties.

Check if SoGEA is Available at Your Address

Enter your postcode below and get instant results:

https://www.leasedlineandmpls.co.uk/sogea/

See:

• Whether SoGEA is available

• Whether FTTP is available

• Live speeds

• Pricing

• Installation options

Fast. Simple. Accurate.