New terminology that will be increasingly heard over the coming months, is SoGEA. It stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access and it’s a new way of delivering Broadband.
Until now, all Broadband services required an underlying phone line for the Broadband to run across. However, by December 2025, the UK’s PSTN circuit (Public Switched Telephone Network) will have shut down and traditional phone lines will be no more!
Although December 2025 is still a few years away, the shutting down of telephone exchanges will be carried out on a phased basis across the country. OpenReach is due to start serving notice on the first telephone exchanges as early as next month.
SoGEA has been developed as a Broadband offering that doesn’t need to sit on top of a phone line. It is, in itself, a dedicated line that delivers Broadband and includes an underlying version of a phone line.
There will no longer be a need to order two lines to deliver your Broadband service (hence the reference to “Single Order”). There will therefore be no monthly fee for a separate phone line, and the lack of phone line also means the risk of interference or unstable connection is lower.
What does this mean to your telephone service?
When moving to SoGEA from a Broadband solution that relied on a phone line, your telephone system will need to be considered. A voice call service that uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) will be required, to continue to be able to make and receive phone calls using your existing number.
Timing is crucial – don’t lose your phone number!
In order to preserve your existing phone number, it is essential that the “porting” (transferring) of the number takes place before the service is switched to SoGEA. HJS Technology can manage the transfer on your behalf to ensure that this happens. Enter your contact details here to find out more, or give us a call.