With the ISDN switch-off scheduled to end all traditional telephone lines by 2027, many businesses are migrating to more modern connectivity solutions. These include SoGEA and FTTP.

SoGEA and FTTP are two of the most popular commercial broadband solutions across industries, but which option is best for your business?

Here’s everything you need to know about the two ISDN alternatives to make an informed decision.

What is SoGEA broadband

SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. It’s fast becoming one of the most popular modern internet connectivity options in the UK. It works by using a single Ethernet cable to get your business onto the web.

Consider making the switch to SoGEA if

• You need to switch from ISDN lines before 2027
• Have no phone line connection available
• Have business in a  limited or rural green cabinet fibre area
• You're looking to reduce your connectivity costs

What is FTTP internet?

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) broadband delivers fibre internet directly from the exchange to your business. This VIP connection uses no copper lines or green cabinets, so you won’t share your connection with any other businesses.

Consider making the switch to FTTP if you:

• Need a dedicated internet connection
• Have an office situated in an unreliable FTTC area
• Want to reliably future-proof the connectivity of your business
• Can afford a higher cost for higher speeds

FTTP vs SoGEA: What are the key differences?

Both FTTP and SoGEA are high-performance connectivity solutions for businesses migrating away from ISDN setups. But what are the key differences between the two? Let’s take a look:

• Broadband speed: SoGEA generally offers speeds up to 80 Mbps, while FTTP delivers ultrafast speeds up to 1Gbps-plus.
• Performance: SoGEA is a reliable option for everyday use, while FTTP can be faster and more consistent.
• Installation: SoGEA is relatively quick and easy to install, while FTTP can take longer and be slightly more complicated depending on your infrastructure.
• Cost and pricing: SoGEA is more budget-friendly while FTTP is a premium option suited to businesses with higher connectivity budgets.

The benefits of SoGEA internet

SoGEA is slightly different from the usual fibre connection that you may already have for your business.

So, why should you make the switch to this type of internet? There are many reasons why getting an Ethernet connection is so appealing.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Have the same provider for your VoIP and internet

Many internet providers now offer a VOIP phone system alongside an internet connection. That makes it easier for you when it comes to renewing your contract or getting in touch to solve any issues. Having a combined package can save you time when shopping around from multiple providers.

2. Available across most of the UK

Getting a great fibre connection isn’t always easy or affordable for some businesses. But wherever you are and whatever your budget, this type of internet offers a sustainable solution. SoGEA is available almost everywhere, so it’s likely you can improve your business’s connectivity without worry.

3. Installation takes less than a week on average

The biggest concern about getting a new internet connection is the wait time. If you’re wondering how long it will take to install or how long will your business be offline, we can have SoGEA up and running in about five days. It’s typically faster to install than FTTP, which can take anywhere from nine to 18 working days.

4. An affordable connectivity solution

Getting superfast internet broadband can be expensive if you use a premium fibre service. But this SoGEA is an economic and reliable alternative when you have a tight or strict connectivity budget.

SoGEA tends to be cheaper than fibre internet because it doesn’t include a phone line, so you don’t have to pay for the phone connection in addition to your internet bill.

Get a quote to find out how much an Ethernet connection could save you.

The benefits of FTTP internet

FTTP is considered fast, reliable and direct. Getting fibre directly to your office has its share of benefits, particularly for growing businesses. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Faster internet than FTTC

FTTC (Fibre To The Cabinet) is a common solution for many home office workers and businesses. But it does mean sharing a green cabinet connection with everyone else in the same catchment area. Fibre to your premises, meanwhile, gets you a dedicated line just for you.

Some businesses are also considering a leased line to achieve the internet speeds they need to run efficiently. FTTP is up to four times faster than FTTC and can reach up to 1Gbps.

Leased lines can have even faster speeds and are the most secure solution, although they’re more expensive. Most businesses will be just fine with the speeds fibre offers.

2. Future-proof your online connectivity

Many businesses in the UK rely on legacy phone broadband lines or copper lines to get connected. In the next few years, these connections will be shut down. Securing FTTP broadband means the ISDN switch-off won’t affect you. The result? No interruption to your business operations.

3. No more sharing your connection

Uploading, downloading and video calls are all impacted by your internet connection. Having a slow or unreliable connection can delay your business every single day. As FTTP connections are dedicated to your premises, your connectivity performance won’t be affected by sharing it with others.

4. Layer scalable and flexible solutions

Fibre is a highly flexible solution that you can combine with other connectivity features to support your business online. This can include a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to support remote working employees, as well as a hosted voice system to replace traditional office phones.

Interested? Get a broadband quote, and one of our experts will be in touch to run you through your options.

Upgrade your business operations with Radius

As you can see, FTTP and SoGEA are both reliable and high-performance alternatives to traditional options like FTTC.

Now that you understand the key differences and benefits between the two connectivity solutions, you can make the right decision for your business. If you still need help making a choice, we can help.

At Radius, we take a partner-led approach to help businesses upgrade their internet solutions to meet their specific needs and budget.

We offer both FTTP and SoGEA connectivity options. We’ll also work with you to get you connected in a way that makes your business more efficient, communicative and primed for growth.