SoGEA Broadband

What is SoGEA?

SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) is a fibre broadband connection. Ideal for both businesses and homes, SoGEA doesn’t include a traditional copper phone line, resulting in a quicker installation process. SoGEA has the capability of delivering download speeds of up to 80 Mbps, with upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps.

SoGEA vs FTTC

SoGEA and FTTC (also known as ‘Fibre to the cabinet’) offer the same download speeds of up to 80 Mbps and upload of 20 Mbps. Both fibre broadband technologies offer enhanced reliability and broad availability across the UK. SoGEA, in comparison to FTTC, can only offer a data service and doesn’t use a traditional copper phone line. This makes it significantly cheaper to install.

By the end of 2025, the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) will be switched off. PSTN uses traditional copper lines (like FTTC) to deliver calls, which are being withdrawn by Openreach because the technology is outdated. If you’re currently on FTTC, we’ll move you over to SoGEA as soon as we can. Once this happens, you’ll have a VoIP (Voice-over Internet Protocol) line – the new way to make calls using your broadband connection instead of your copper line.

SoGEA vs FTTP

FTTP (also known as, ‘Fibre to the premises’) is a full fibre technology that uses fibre-optic cables. Extremely fast, FTTP currently offers speeds of up to 1 Gbps, which is a lot faster than SoGEA. Both SoGEA and FTTP are long term fibre solutions which are less susceptible to interference or defects. They also both use the latest VoIP technology, as neither comes with a traditional copper phone line. SoGEA costs less and is more widely available – making it a popular choice over full fibre.

If you have the choice, think about whether you want to opt for a full fibre plan that could get you faster speeds. SoGEA’s maximum speed of 80 Mbps may be enough if you mostly browse the web or stream TV shows. However, if you play a lot of online video games or frequently video call, you may want to consider a higher speed for a seamless connection with lower latency. Learn about our full fibre plans

Do I have SoGEA Broadband?

You can ask your broadband provider if you have a SoGEA connection.

If you’re a Vodafone Broadband customer and have a SoGEA or FTTC connection, you’ll have a Fibre 1 or Fibre 2 plan. If you have FTTP, your plan name will include the words ‘full fibre’, for example: ‘Full Fibre 300’.