The ultimate guide to SoGEA in 2024. Read our full guide below or get an instant quote.
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Content: 6 minute read
You may have heard of SoGEA and might wonder how it’s different from other types of internet connectivity on the market.
We’ll cover everything about SoGEA so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of connection is right for you.
SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. This type of connection uses your existing copper phone line to connect to the network, but instead of using it for voice calls, it uses it for data.
The advantage of SoGEA is that it is much cheaper to deploy than FTTC since it doesn’t require any new infrastructure.
The key difference is that with FTTC you need a telephone line, with SoGEA you don’t. SoGEA is the replacement product for FTTC.
The main difference is in the infrastructure. As things stand, if you wanted an FTTC connection, you would have to order a phone line and then you would have your fibre broadband connected over the top of it.
BT Openreach have now launched SoGEA which means that you dont have to have a copper phone line installed any more to benefit from this new service. You simply just order the SoGEA broadband and no line rental to worry about!
This also means that SoGEA is much cheaper to deploy in most cases than FTTC. With the big switch off coming in 2025, all copper based solutions will be discontinued so ADSL, PSTN lines, FTTC will all be gone.
SoGEA will become the new “FTTC”. On top of this, you can also get faster speeds with downloads speeds of up to 80mbps with SoGEA and up to 330Mb with SOGfast in certain areas which we will explain all the options in more detail shortly.
SoGEA is readily available in most places but FTTP is still rolling out nationwide. For speed, FTTP is in a league of its own but limited availabilty.
Fibre to the premises (or FTTP as its known) is a complete fibre connection which comes from the exchange and runs all the way to your premises regardless of whether that is residential or business.
FTTP is not available in as many locations (yet) as what SoGEA is but the rollout of pure fibre connectivity is in full swing so it wont be long before you will have the option of both.
SoGEA does not have the speed that FTTP does with the ability to get speed upto 1Gb compared to up to 330Mb with SoGFAST. SoGEA is a cost effective broadband solution but if you are in need of more power then (if it’s available) FTTP would win.
Both are easy to install. They’re also cost effective solutions. Each come with the option of using your own router or we can supply one. Both are easy to fix. Also, instead of using a copper phone line for calls, you can now use VoIP (voice over internet protocol).
SoGEA will get speeds up to 80Mb whilst SOGfast can hit 330Mb but again, its not available in a lot of locations making SoGEA the best option.
SOGfast fibre broadband is a new technology that offers faster speeds than a SoGEA line. It’s a combination of this and Gfast fibre broadband features.
It’s similar to SoGEA but uses optical fibre cables instead of copper. This means that SOGfast, or SoGEA fibre broadband, can offer faster speeds. The “up to” speeds that are currently available are:
- SoGEA 40Mb/10Mb
- SoGEA 55Mb/10Mb
- SoGEA 80Mb/20Mb
- SOGfast 160Mb/30Mb
- SOGfast 330Mb/50Mb
Both options are ideal for home working or small business. Our availabilty checker will let you know exactly what speeds are available in your area.
SOGfast is the faster version of SoGEA utilising fibre but at this moment in time, it has limited availability. If available then you can benefit from some great speeds.
SOGfast (or Single Order Gfast) is as the name suggests, the faster version of SoGEA with the ability to offer you speeds up to 330Mb and because its a fibre broadband only line, no landline is needed.
A special side pod is used on street cabinets which enables speeds to be boosted for certain areas and over short distances. This is what differentiates it from SoGEA as that product can only offer speeds up to 80Mb.
A straightforward order process also helps matters along with quick turnaround times from point of order plus a single appontment delivery with a working connection straight after.
With SOGfast, you will also be future proofing yourself. No matter what your needs in the future, you’ll have it covered with this fibre based service so adding VoIP telephony services will be very straightforward.
Right now it’s being installed around the country. If it’s available where you live, you’ll see the speed options appear. Simply follow the instructions below.
Enter your postcode and select “Lookup”
Select your address and click “Check Availability”
Please wait for your results to show.
Your Availability
SoGEA Pricing
SoGEA 40/10
£35.95
Per Month
- Upto 40Mb Download Speed
- Up to 10Mb Upload Speed
- £75.00 One off install cost
- Router (additional cost) if needed
- Office hours support
- 12 month contract
SoGEA 80/20
£38.95
Per Month
- Up to 80Mb Download Speed.
- Up to 20Mb Upload Speed.
- £75.00 One off install cost.
- Router (additonal cost) if needed.
- Office hours support
- 12 month contract
SOGfast 330/50
£64.95
Per Month
- Up to 330Mb Download Speed.
- Up to 50Mb Upload Speed.
- £125.00 One off install cost.
- Router (additonal cost) if needed.
- Office hours support
- 12 month contract
From the point of order, SoGEA is a rapid install unlike leased lines that can take up to 3 months. SoGEA is usually installed in around 5 working days on average but with this been a new product, it can take slightly longer on some occassions.
No, you don’t need a traditional phone line to have SoGEA. Previously, to deliver broadband to a home or office, you needed to have traditional phone lines installed, and then fibre broadband or ADSL broadband provided as well.
However, with SoGEA broadband, you can use your existing copper phone line for this type of connection. Once you have SoGEA, you’ll enjoy excellent internet speeds and reliable connectivity.
Yes, SoGEA uses copper to connect your premises to the network. This type of connection is also called a ‘copper broadband’ connection. Single order generic ethernet access offers similar connectivity to Fibre to the Cabinet. However, it allows for a standalone superfast fibre broadband line without the voice service.
No, you do not need to adopt VoIP (voice over internet protocol) to have SoGEA. However, if you would like to take advantage of VoIP’s many benefits, such as free phone calls to other VoIP users and free calls to landlines and mobile phones, you will need to sign up for our VoIP service. We can also transfer your existing phone numbers.
One More Question?
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We hope this article has helped you understand SoGEA broadband and the many benefits it can offer your business. If you have any other questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to contact us on 03300 770070.
We’ll be happy to assist you in finding the perfect broadband solution for your needs.
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