How a SoGEA adapter can be an SME’s best friend
Tuesday 1st July 2025
Save time and money as you go through your digital upgrade
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) around the country, bridging the gap between legacy broadband and full fibre can feel like a business critical challenge. As we all know, having a fast and reliable internet connection is like oxygen for modern organisations. Take it away and it can choke all the productivity out of a business.
With the old-fashioned copper phone network set to switch off in 2027, millions of UK businesses now need to think fast about how they will keep operations running smoothly in the absence of full fibre installation in their local area.
Fortunately, SoGEA business broadband offers the perfect solution.
What Is SoGEA?
SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. In plain English, it’s broadband without the need for a traditional phone line. SoGEA provides the same high-speed internet as fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband, but it removes the voice line component – which will soon be redundant.
As the UK prepares to retire its copper phone network, SoGEA is now the go-to “part-fibre” solution for businesses looking to future-proof their connectivity.
Switching to SoGEA is not just about compliance – it’s also about performance, cost-efficiency, and simplicity.
SoGEA offers small businesses with tight margins a low-cost, flexible alternative to more expensive traditional broadband and landline bundles. SoGEA broadband offers the same performance as FTTC broadband across cloud software, VoIP telephony and remote work tools.
Setting up is simple, too, because installers can utilise the existing IT infrastructure along with a SoGEA adapter to get SMEs up and running quickly.
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What does the SoGEA adapter do?
If you're upgrading your broadband connection to SoGEA but still want to use your existing VoIP-compatible phones or telephony setup, a SoGEA adapter can bridge the gap – especially for businesses not ready to fully overhaul their systems. The SoGEA adapter:
- Keeps your current phones working
SoGEA doesn’t include voice by default, but with an adapter, you can plug in your analogue or VoIP handsets and continue making calls via the internet. - Avoids costly hardware upgrades
Rather than buying brand-new digital phones or a full VoIP system, the adapter allows you to use what you already have—saving on upfront costs. - Speeds up the switchover
No waiting around for engineers to rewire your entire system. Most SoGEA adapters are plug-and-play, allowing your business to transition quickly and with minimal disruption. - Supports hybrid working
Need to move between office and home setups? A SoGEA adapter makes it easier to connect devices wherever there's broadband.
Making the switch: What SMEs need to know
If you're still on a traditional phone line-based connection, it's time to plan your upgrade before the 2027 PSTN shutdown. Before doing anything, it’s important to understand your current broadband setup so you can decide if SoGEA is the right upgrade for you.
For SMEs, every decision around technology counts. A SoGEA adapter might seem like a small piece of kit, but it can offer big advantages – minimising disruption, keeping overheads down and helping you upgrade on your terms without the hassle of an infrastructure overhaul.
If your business is preparing for the digital switchover, consider SoGEA and an adapter as your shortcut to smarter, simpler connectivity.
