Fibre broadband lines have provided us with so much flexibility in terms of how we work and run our businesses. However, traditional ADSL broadband services are about to come to an end.
The 2025 ISDN switch-off is looming and businesses need to be prepared. This is especially true when we consider that 30% of businesses still spend £10k or more a month on these systems.
So, what are your options for upgrading your old business broadband to a fibre broadband connection? Well, there are three main types of connections to choose from, namely SoGEA, FTTC and FTTP.
What Is SoGEA?
SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) is a dedicated business broadband connection.
This means you don’t need a phone line installation and the infrastructure you need is probably already installed at your place of work.
If there’s a green comms cabinet in your immediate vicinity, then you should be able to get a SoGEA connection.
The line sent to your building using a SoGEA connection will be shared by the people around you. However, the line can handle faster speeds and more data, so you’re far less likely to encounter peak-time speed dips.
Benefits of SoGEA
Here are a few of the reasons why SoGEA broadband is a popular choice:
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Faster and more reliable than your standard ADSL, PSTN, or ISDN line.
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Cheaper than other types of fibre broadband (FTTC, or FTTP), and cheaper than your current copper connection.
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Easier to install with little to no engineering costs.
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Since only one line is needed, problems can be fixed quickly and easily, keeping costs down.
What Is FTTC?
FTTC (fibre-to-the-cabinet) broadband is a SoGEA connection that includes a voice line as well.
Basically, if your business still relies on a traditional phone line, there is a place for it. However, there’s the added benefit of unified communication capabilities.
With an FTTC broadband connection, fibre-optic cables run to a street cabinet near your home or business. Then, standard copper telephone lines connect the cabinet to your property. This provides faster internet than traditional copper-only connections, but it isn’t as fast as full fibre (FTTP) because the last part of the journey uses copper wiring.
Benefits of FTTC
Let’s look at some of the reasons why you might want to choose an FTTC connection:
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Keeping voice and data lines separate will help with your overall speeds and call quality.
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99.8% of connections in the UK are FTTC, so engineering costs are low as engineers are experienced.
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It’s much faster than your standard copper lines and can carry larger packets of data.
What Is FTTP?
FTTP delivers a fibre connection straight to your door, so you won’t have to share your internet connection.
With FTTP, fibre technology is taken straight to your business, so you get an uninterrupted broadband and phone line connection. This is often much faster than the alternatives, more reliable, and doesn’t get affected by peak time slowdowns.
The real benefit of going for an FTTP connection instead of SoGEA or FTTC is that it’s fibre cables all the way! With SoGEA and FTTC, your fibre connection is from the local exchange to the roadside comms cabinet. With FTTP, fibre cables bypass the cabinet and connect straight to you, ensuring you get the maximum speeds possible.
Benefits of FTTP
Here are some of the reasons to consider this high-speed internet connection:
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A dedicated full fibre connection to your business means you won’t get those peak time slowdowns.
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Capable of super-fast speeds compared to SoGEA or FTTC.
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Companies like City Fibre and Faster Britain (as well as the big names too!) are investing huge amounts in a full-fibre network.
Choosing The Right Connection Based On Your Business Requirements
Internet connectivity is essential to your business, so it’s important to keep a few things in mind when deciding between these three internet solutions.
Speed requirements
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FTTP offers the highest speeds since it’s a full-fibre connection directly to your premises.
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FTTC provides moderate speeds, as the final connection is over copper wiring.
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SoGEA offers similar speeds to FTTC but without the need for a traditional phone line.
Reliability
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FTTP is generally the most reliable because it’s a full-fibre solution.
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FTTC and SoGEA are less reliable due to the use of copper for the final part of the connection, which can be affected by distance and weather.
Availability
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FTTP may not be available in all areas, especially in rural locations.
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FTTC and SoGEA are more widely available, making them good alternatives if FTTP is not accessible.
Cost
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FTTP tends to be more expensive due to the superior infrastructure and faster speeds.
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FTTC and SoGEA are generally more affordable but offer slower speeds compared to FTTP.
Future-proofing
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FTTP is the most future-proof option, as it can handle rising demands for increased internet speeds as technology evolves.
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FTTC and SoGEA might need upgrading sooner as data demands grow.
Need A Fast And Reliable Broadband Connection?
There is no shortage of options when it comes to keeping your business connected to the outside world. It all depends on your budget, surrounding infrastructure and the capabilities you need as a business.
MID Digital Solutions can help you take the guesswork out of choosing the right connection for your business. We offer a wide range of connectivity solutions to meet your specific business requirements. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
FAQs
Will Single order Generic Ethernet Access ever be phased out?
It’s unlikely that Single order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) will be phased out in the near future. It serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional broadband by eliminating the need for a phone line. However, SoGEA may eventually become less common in areas where full fibre is accessible.
Which broadband connection has the best upload speeds?
FTTP typically offers the best upload speeds because it uses full fibre-optic cables directly to your property. This allows for symmetrical download and upload speeds, making it faster than FTTC or SoGEA, which rely partly on slower copper lines for the final connection.
Do I need to upgrade my existing infrastructure when moving away from ADSL?
Yes, you may need to upgrade your existing infrastructure when moving away from ADSL. Switching to faster broadband options like FTTC, SoGEA, or FTTP may require new equipment. This includes a compatible router or, in the case of FTTP, additional fibre-optic cables. Your service provider will guide you on specific upgrades based on the new connection type.