The 2025 Switch Off
As a reminder, by 2025 Openreach are switching off the ISDN and PSTN network and this means the end of analogue lines. The Openreach Timeline provides you with all the information.
Mass Migration to the Cloud
The evolution to cloud services including telephony has prompted the Switch Off and as a result, Openreach have introduced SOGEA to provide a versatile and less expensive solution to traditional connectivity products. In other words, all business phone systems will be run over data connections, no more analogue or ISDN lines. SOGEA and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) will then become the backbone of the Openreach network.
What is SOGEA and what do you need to know for your business?
Well, SOGEA, stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access and is quite simply, Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) minus a useable line for voice calls.
Normally customers would pay for their voice services over a separate analogue line, so the beauty of SOGEA is that although it’s just a broadband you can run a hosted/cloud phone system over it, thus, saving money on line charges.
In essence, the Openreach upgrade to the UK network infrastructure removes voice calling using PSTN and ISDN services. These are classed as legacy technologies and are ever more redundant in today’s communications environment.
What happens to FTTC?
When your exchange gets converted during the roll out, the associated number will be ported into the cloud as the circuit converts to SOGEA.
Speed of Installation
The other benefit is speed of connection, which could be particularly beneficial to new businesses.
Putting in a line and then adding a broadband connection would usually take up to 20 working days. SOGEA installation is simultaneous, so half the time.
More updates will follow as we head towards 2025!
Feeling curious?

What is SOGEA? – All you need to know for your business
Mass Migration to the Cloud
The evolution to cloud services including telephony has prompted the Switch Off and as a result, Openreach have introduced SOGEA to provide a versatile and less expensive solution to traditional connectivity products. In other words, all business phone systems will be run over data connections, no more analogue or ISDN lines. SOGEA and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) will then become the backbone of the Openreach network.

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