A new broadband service
With SoGEA being still a recent form of broadband service, one may think that it means a whole new process when it comes to ordering, installing, and maintaining it. Turns out that form of thinking is not quite the case, in that SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) is simply more of the same technology delivered from a broadband provider in a slightly different way.
Simply put, it goes to stand that if you know how FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) works, then you know how SoGEA works as it uses the same public infrastructure for the broadband service when it comes to the physical connections.
The key difference is that SoGEA no longer requires a telephone line to be connected and thus no longer requires a direct telephone number related to the line. Therefore there is no additional cost for a phone line.
How to begin with SoGEA
Taking a step back from understanding how SoGEA works and looking more at how to begin the process is as simple as describing how you would normally order a conventional FTTC broadband line. It’s the same form for ordering, with only one difference of no longer needing to specify your CLI (calling line identification) number as the SoGEA service does not require this information.
As for the provisioning side once the order is placed, again we see the same as FTTC with a router sent out by the provider and a date at which you’re being switched over. At this point providers usually give you two options, a self-installation with the router OR a managed installation where an engineer will assist with initial connection.
It cannot be stressed enough that going with a managed installation from the provider, where for example an OpenReach Engineer will also attend the property (as well as changing the data connection in the cabinet) is highly recommended as these engineers are often well equipped to deal with any unforeseen old sockets or issues with the equipment that allows the connection into the building. Beyond that, they will also do some vital line tests to make sure there is no interference on the line which can be considered a sort of health check of the physical infrastructure.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
That is SoGEA in a brief description, though another part that MUST be considered is now that there is no phone line associated to your broadband, what must you use for a phone? Thankfully, the answer to this comes in the form of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. A VoIP phone solution is basically a telephone that works directly over the internet, they can come in many forms with providers offering multiple different offerings but for the most part it is simply a phone that connects to the internet.
When looking at SoGEA the key element to working with a VoIP phone solution along side it is to make sure you port any numbers that you wish to keep (potentially your old CLI) over when you order your SoGEA line, otherwise you may run the risk of losing that number forever! All of this must be planned and ordered as soon as the provider allows to make sure there is no confusion or loss of service on the day of transfer.
VoIP services that we use often come with the ability to be managed in their own app also, giving the user the freedom to access the platform they use not just on the telephone connected in their property, but on mobile and desktop apps also.
SoGEA provides your business with everything you need to connect to the internet in a fast, reliable, and efficient way. If you are looking for more information and guidance about switching over to SoGEA, speak with our IT specialists by calling 0121 289 4477.
