Introduction
You might have heard about the PSTN shutdown at the beginning of 2027? Or the impact it will have on FTTC? You may also be aware of SoGEA?
Or all of that might sound like a load of jargon that only makes sense to IT types! If that’s you, this ‘SoGEA broadband for business explained’ blog will break everything down into plain English!
What’s Happening in 2027?
In 2023, BT Openreach announced it would stop selling Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) with a full switch off in January 2027.
Put simply, PSTN is your traditional telephone system that uses a copper wire to connect public and business phones to local exchanges and the network. ISDN uses the same copper lines to send video, data and voice.
Innovations in technology have increased the quality of communications, speed, reduced costs and improved network resilience. As a result, both PSTN and ISDN are being switched off, on or before January 31st 2027.
Will My Business Be Affected?
The simple answer is yes. If you haven’t already made the move to a VoIP telephone solution you will need to. VoIP stands for ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ and basically means using the internet to make a phone call. For example, if you make a call on your mobile using WhatsApp, that is an internet call. That’s because the call doesn’t use the phone network, it uses a data connection.
If the cut off takes place and you haven’t taken action your business could be severely impacted. This could include losing your business phone numbers, connectivity and business continuity. Plus, leaving the switch to the last minute may reduce your choice of alternatives and ability to negotiate. At Complete Voice & Data we recommend planning ahead.
What are the Options?
In an ideal world your business has ‘Fibre to the Premises’ or FTTP as it is referred to. This can easily be checked online or by your Complete Voice & Data Account Manager. The fibre connection can be used for your new digital telephone system whilst retaining existing numbers and increasing functionality plus cost savings.
If your business does not have FTTP capability due to any number of factors including location and infrastructure then SoGEA broadband for business is the solution.
Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) utilises the existing fibre/copper network to deliver broadband and telephony services at high speed. The main benefits include:
- Reduced Costs – you pay for the broadband connection and not a telephone line (so no landline rental charges).
- Single Provider – Complete Voice & Data will manage your broadband and telephone system rather than two or potentially even three providers.
- Resilience – SoGEA is a more reliable than an analogue phone system and less likely to drop signal or suffer interference.
- Hybrid Working Friendly – SoGEA works well with digital and cloud-based communications systems which facilitate home and remote working.
- Future Proofed – once installed there is no need to worry about the PSTN and ISDN switch off.
To Summarise
Traditional phone systems as we know them are being switched off in early 2027 and everyone will need to move to a digital solution. Full fibre is the ideal choice, however, if your business does not have access to full fibre then SoGEA is the next best solution.
At Complete Voice & Data we can not only advise you on your best digital path, but provide a digital telephone system such as Microsoft Teams Phone, a SoGEA connection, manage the installation and provide full aftersales support.
Hopefully this blog on SoGEA Broadband for business explained has clarified all the jargon for you. If you still have questions or would like to discuss your move to digital communications, give the team a call.