If you run a business in the UK, you have almost certainly heard that the old copper telephone network is being switched off. What you may not have heard is that there is a straightforward, cost-saving broadband option designed specifically for this transition — and it is called SoGEA broadband.
SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. It delivers broadband over the Openreach network without requiring a traditional telephone line underneath. For years, every broadband connection in the UK needed an active PSTN line — even if you never plugged a phone into it. SoGEA broadband removes that requirement entirely, saving businesses money and simplifying their connectivity.
This guide explains what SoGEA broadband is, how it differs from FTTC, why the PSTN switch-off makes it necessary, what it costs and how to order it. If you already know SoGEA is right for you, get a free quote from Connection Technologies and we will handle the rest.
What Is SoGEA Broadband?
SoGEA is a broadband delivery method on the Openreach network. It uses the same physical infrastructure as standard FTTC and FTTP connections but is ordered as a single product without an underlying analogue phone line.
Before SoGEA, ordering broadband was a two-step process. First, you needed an active PSTN telephone line. Then, broadband was layered on top. Even if your business had moved all its calls to VoIP and never used the landline, you still paid line rental — typically £15–£20 per month — just to keep the broadband running. SoGEA broadband collapses those two products into one, with no phone line and no line rental charge.
How SoGEA Differs from FTTC
The most common question businesses ask is whether SoGEA is a different type of broadband. The short answer is no — it is the same underlying technology, delivered differently.
| Feature | Traditional FTTC | SoGEA (FTTC-based) | SoGEA (FTTP-based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires phone line | Yes | No | No |
| Line rental cost | £15–£20/mo extra | Included | Included |
| Download speed | 36–80 Mbps | 36–80 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Upload speed | 10–20 Mbps | 10–20 Mbps | Up to 220 Mbps |
| Analogue voice calls | Yes (via phone line) | No | No |
| VoIP compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Static IP available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical monthly cost | £25–£45 + line rental | £25–£50 | £35–£65 |
The critical difference is cost. With traditional FTTC, you pay for broadband plus line rental. With SoGEA broadband, you pay for broadband alone. For a business that has already moved to VoIP, SoGEA saves £180–£240 per year per site.
Why the PSTN Switch-Off Makes SoGEA Essential
Openreach has confirmed the Public Switched Telephone Network will be fully retired by January 2027. After that date, no new PSTN lines will be available and existing lines will stop working.
This matters for broadband because traditional FTTC connections depend on an active PSTN line. Once the PSTN is switched off, those connections must migrate to a product that does not require one — and SoGEA broadband is the direct replacement. Businesses that act early avoid the rush as demand for engineer visits spikes closer to the deadline. For a full explanation, read our guide on what the PSTN switch-off means.
Benefits of SoGEA Broadband for Business
- Lower monthly costs: Eliminating line rental saves £15–£20 per month. For multi-site businesses, the savings multiply quickly.
- Simpler billing: One product, one bill — no more juggling separate phone line and broadband charges.
- Faster provisioning: SoGEA is a single order, so installation is quicker than the traditional two-step process.
- Future-proof: SoGEA does not depend on the PSTN, so your broadband is unaffected by the 2027 switch-off.
- Full VoIP compatibility: SoGEA works seamlessly with hosted VoIP platforms, making it the natural broadband choice for businesses already using internet-based calling. For a detailed comparison, see our article on VoIP versus landlines for UK businesses.
- Same speeds and reliability: Because SoGEA uses the same Openreach infrastructure, you get identical performance to traditional FTTC or FTTP.
SoGEA Pricing: What to Expect
SoGEA broadband pricing is competitive with — and often cheaper than — traditional FTTC when you factor in the removal of line rental.
| SoGEA package | Download speed | Upload speed | Typical monthly cost | Setup fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoGEA Standard | Up to 40 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | £25–£32 | £0–£50 |
| SoGEA Enhanced | Up to 55 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | £28–£38 | £0–£50 |
| SoGEA Premium | Up to 80 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | £32–£50 | £0–£50 |
| SoGEA FTTP | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 220 Mbps | £35–£65 | £0–£100 |
Compare these to a traditional FTTC connection at £30 per month plus £18 line rental — that is £48 per month for the same speeds you could get on SoGEA for £32–£50 with no line rental. For an accurate quote based on your postcode, request a free SoGEA broadband quote.
How to Order SoGEA Broadband
- Check availability: SoGEA is available at over 96% of UK premises served by Openreach. Your provider will run an availability check on your postcode.
- Choose your package: Select the speed tier that suits your business. For offices with VoIP, we recommend at least the enhanced or premium tier.
- Place the order: Your provider submits a single order to Openreach — no separate phone line activation needed.
- Installation: Most SoGEA installations complete within 5–10 working days. Migrations from existing connections are usually seamless.
- Configure VoIP: If you are also moving from a landline to VoIP, your provider will port your existing phone number. Porting typically takes 10–15 working days.
Connection Technologies manages the entire process. Call us on 0333 015 2615 or get a free business broadband quote to get started.
Who Should Switch to SoGEA?
SoGEA is the right choice for most UK businesses, but it is particularly well suited to:
- Businesses already using VoIP that are paying for a phone line they do not use.
- Multi-site businesses where dropping line rental across multiple locations adds up to significant savings.
- New premises where ordering SoGEA from day one avoids unnecessary phone line activation.
- Businesses preparing for the PSTN switch-off that want to migrate on their own schedule rather than in a last-minute rush.
The only businesses that should hold off are those still relying on analogue services connected to the phone line — older alarm systems, fax machines or payment terminals that dial out over PSTN. These devices need upgrading before the phone line can be removed. For more on broadband options, see our comprehensive business broadband UK guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SoGEA stand for?
SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. It is a broadband product delivered over the Openreach network that does not require an underlying analogue telephone line. The “single order” part refers to broadband being provisioned as one product rather than the traditional two-step process of ordering a phone line first and then adding broadband.
Is SoGEA broadband the same speed as FTTC?
Yes. SoGEA broadband uses the same Openreach infrastructure as FTTC, so download and upload speeds are identical. If you currently get 60 Mbps on FTTC, you will get 60 Mbps on SoGEA. The only difference is that SoGEA does not require a phone line, which reduces your monthly costs.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch to SoGEA?
Yes. When you move from a traditional phone line to VoIP alongside your SoGEA broadband, your existing phone number can be ported to the new VoIP platform. Porting typically takes 10–15 working days and is handled by your provider.
Will SoGEA work with my existing router?
In most cases, yes. SoGEA uses the same connection technology as FTTC, so any VDSL-compatible router will work. Your provider may supply a pre-configured router as part of the package. If upgrading to SoGEA FTTP, you will need an ONT (optical network terminal) installed by Openreach.
What happens to my phone line when I switch to SoGEA?
Your analogue phone line is ceased as part of the migration. You will no longer be able to make or receive calls on it, which is why it is important to have a VoIP solution in place before switching. Any devices still connected to the phone line — alarm systems, fax machines, payment terminals — must be upgraded to IP-based alternatives first.
How long does it take to switch to SoGEA broadband?
A new SoGEA installation typically takes 5–10 working days. Migrations from an existing FTTC connection on the same line are often faster, completing within a few working days with minimal disruption. Contact us on 0333 015 2615 to discuss your migration timeline.