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Choosing the right business broadband can be confusing — especially when you’re faced with terms like FTTP and SoGEA. While both options are popular amongst UK SMBs, many business owners I speak to still scratch their heads and ask: “What’s the real difference, and which should we go for?” That confusion is understandable, and deciding between the two needs careful consideration.
Broadband is so much more than connection speeds: it’s about keeping teams productive, customers happy, and your business future-ready. Pick the wrong option, and you could find yourself stuck with slower speeds, limited scalability, and another upgrade sooner than you’d like (or can afford). I’ve helped so many businesses just like yours make this exact decision, and the truth is that it really isn’t as complicated as it may sound. PRO
In this article, I’ll cut through the jargon, explain what really separates FTTP from SoGEA, and share how to choose the right one for your business based on real-world experience (tech talk will be kept at a minimum).
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What This Blog Covers:
- FTTP vs SoGEA: What’s the Real Difference Between the Two?
- Why Scalability Should Drive Your Decision
- How to Stay Flexible While Waiting for Fibre Rollout
- Here’s the Truth About FTTP vs SoGEA Pricing
- No Extra Fees, No Extra Fuss — Just Better Broadband
- Making the Right Call for Your Business
FTTP vs SoGEA: What’s the Real Difference Between the Two?
Technically speaking, FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) and SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) are quite different. FTTP is full fibre all the way to your building, while SoGEA is fibre to the street cabinet with a copper connection for the final stretch. But if you’re a small business with about 15–20 employees, using email, CRMs, and standard internet tools, you probably won’t notice much difference between a good SoGEA line and an entry-level FTTP connection.
Where the difference really shows is in data-heavy industries, like architecture or printing. For any business moving large files around, FTTP wins hands down. It can be over 10 times faster than SoGEA, and that kind of speed makes all the difference, especially when you’re chasing deadlines.
Why Scalability Should Drive Your Decision
Whenever a customer asks me which one of the two they should opt for, I always tell them that if both are available, go with FTTP every time: it’s newer, faster and scalable. Once the circuit is in, it’s very easy to scale with the business. If the business is growing and needs more speed, you can simply move up the tiers. This kind of scalability is something SoGEA can’t match.
With SoGEA, the top end is around 80/20 Mbps. But with FTTP, you can start at the same level but scale all the way up to gigabit speeds when your business needs it. That means you don’t need to think about replacing your connectivity later — all you have to do is adjust your package as you grow.
How to Stay Flexible While Waiting for Fibre Rollout
However, there’s an exception to every rule and one instance where SoGEA makes sense: when it’s the only option available in your area. If this is the boat you’re in, firstly, you should know that FTTP is expanding rapidly as we speak. Secondly, I strongly suggest that you put it on the lowest contract term you can — ideally 12 months. That way, when FTTP does roll out to your postcode, you’re not stuck waiting another year or two to make the switch. As we speak, FTTP is expanding rapidly
This would be a great time to mention that when you’re with us at Babble, we’ll always do our best to get you upgraded as soon as possible. We want our customers to have the best services available, and we’ll move you across when the time is right and your business is ready.
Here’s the Truth About FTTP vs SoGEA Pricing
At this point, you might be wondering something along the lines of ‘Seeing as FTTP is so great, surely it’s more expensive?’ This assumption is what holds many businesses back. But here’s the best part: there’s barely any price difference between FTTP and SoGEA.
Take an 80/20 SoGEA line and an 80/20 FTTP line, for example: the difference might be a pound a month. Sometimes, not even that. And honestly, as a partner to your business, we’d much rather you were on FTTP, so we often make the pricing the same.
So don’t let cost be a determining factor between the two when you make your decision.
No Extra Fees, No Extra Fuss — Just Better Broadband
Similar to the misconception around cost, some people assume FTTP must be harder to install or come with extra fees, but again, there’s no difference here either.
Both SoGEA and FTTP:
- Take roughly the same time to install.
- Rarely come with installation charges.
- Almost always include the router free of charge.
So the setup side of things is on a level playing field. And when it comes to reliability, the main difference comes down to the speed ceiling and future scalability of FTTP.
Making the Right Call for Your Business
Once you understand the difference between FTTP and SoGEA, the choice becomes clear. FTTP is a faster, scalable solution built to grow with your business. SoGEA is a solid short-term option when that future hasn’t reached your street yet. Either way, you’ve got a plan and you have options.
The real challenge most businesses face isn’t picking the “perfect” broadband — it’s making sure their connection keeps up with how they work. Slow speeds, unreliable connections, and contracts that hold you back can all cost you time and productivity. The goal is simple: stay connected, stay flexible, and stay ready for what’s next.
Over the years, I’ve helped dozens of businesses through this exact decision, and my advice is always to never overthink it. If FTTP is available, take it. If it’s not, use SoGEA as your bridge until it is.
At Babble, we’re here to make that process as smooth as possible, with honest advice and solutions that fit your business.
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