Ensuring that people stay connected, no matter where they are – from colleagues to customers – has increased the demand for the next generation in connectivity services. And with BT phasing out PSTN and ISDN networks by 2025, traditional connectivity and voice services are holding back businesses that could otherwise be embracing the boundless possibilities of all digital communication networks.
In 2017, BT announced that they were going to switch off the existing telephone network completely – after migrating the old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a fully digital network – and come 2025, the UK Whole Line Rental will cease to exist.
Although 2025 may seem a time away, you may want to think about upgrading your current systems sooner rather than later. Migrations have already started across the country and effective solutions like SoGEA are available to more than 90% of premises across the UK. FTTP and SoGEA are the next generation broadband connections that mean that your business can be future-proofed with confidence.
Did you know?
COVID-19 and the shift to home working had caused a 47% rise in broadband usage. (Source: OpenVault, Q1 2020 OVBI)
So, what exactly is SoGEA?
SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, a data-only broadband solution that does not need a phone line. It’s simple to order, install and fix and you get everything you need in a single order and all from one provider.
Until now, you would have needed a traditional phone line installed into your office to receive broadband. SoGEA replaces the analogue copper lines that are reaching the end of life and provides faster, more reliable connectivity than Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband and can be easily migrated with short downtimes from your existing service.
As it does not include a phone line, customers moving to SoGEA from a phoneline-reliant broadband solution will need a voice call service that uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to continue making and receiving phone calls.
Why SoGEA?
Previously, most people only used a fixed-line connection because it was necessary for their broadband to work. However, with the advancement and cost-effectiveness of mobile handsets and VoIP as well as the rollout of full-fibre networks, there is less and less requirement for old phone services. As a response to this, SoGEA was created so that businesses (and consumers alike) could buy a broadband connection without the need for a phone line.
Benefits
Cut costs
Because you are only paying for a broadband data connection, your monthly costs will be lower as landline rental costs are no longer included.
Quicker installation
You only have to place one order, making it quicker to install and minimising disruption to your business.
Deal with only one provider
Everything comes from us. You are no longer tied into a landline contract as well. Benefit from only one point of contact and faster fault resolution.
Great for homeworking
Many UK businesses are shifting towards a hybrid workforce, so having good connectivity at home has become essential for many. SoGEA is quicker to install, easier to manage and works well with hosted telephony products.
Increased reliability
SoGEA uses an established network without the addition of a phone line so the chance of interference or an unstable connection is lower.
Future-proof connectivity
The PSTN network will be switched off by the end of 2025, and many PSTN exchanges are already under the notice of switch-off as the UK prepares for the move to full-fibre. SoGEA enables you to have a broadband or ethernet connection agnostic of the PSTN network, future-proofing your business connectivity.
If you’re wanting to upgrade your business communications, then SoGEA could be the right solution for you. Not only will it provide you with faster connection speeds and lower costs, but is a better solution for business looking to grow and to equip your business for the future.
