In a previous blog we looked at the PSTN switch off, the impact this would have on the network and how the new digital solutions, along with mobile, are the future for phone calls in the UK. What we haven’t discussed is with these changes to PSTN what will broadband look like on the network going forward? I want to give our community some useful information they can use to cut out the jargon and understand what broadband products they could have available to them on the network and how we at BT Business have our own names for these along with additional support products designed to enhance their experience.
The network is going to have three options going forward:
- SOADSL: (Single order Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). Replaces ADSL. This broadband connection uses a copper wire. Customers can choose to take this as broadband only or add digital voice.
When discussing this with our BT Business Team they would refer to Broadband with speeds of up to 17 mbps per second download and up to 0.9 mbps upload quoted.
- SOGEA (Single order Generic Ethernet Access). Replaces FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet). Fibre Optic line to the cabinet then a copper line to the customers address. Customers can choose broadband only or add digital voice.
When discussing this with our BT Business Team they would refer to Fibre 76 with speeds of up to 76 mbps per second download and up to 19 mbps upload quoted.
- FTTP: (Fibre to the premises aka Full Fibre). Fibre Optic line from the exchange to the customers premise for the fastest broadband speeds. Customers can choose broadband only or add digital voice. From 5 September 2023 customers can no longer order legacy broadband products (ADSL, FTTC, G.Fast).
When discussing this with our BT Business Team they would refer to Full Fibre 150, 300, 500 or 900 with speeds of up to 900 mbps per second download and up to 104 mbps upload quoted.
It’s important to look out for the download and upload ranges quoted whenever taking a package along with something called the MGALS (minimum guaranteed access line speed). With this information you will have a much better understanding of what to expect from any service you agree to rather than just the generic name with the up to speeds in mind.
When you’ve established the best option for your business, the next thing to look at the additional support options. BT Business have two categories for each service you can have, Essentials and Enhanced. Essentials is the base option for each service but as you can imagine Enhanced comes with extra support including:
- Hybrid Backup - If the broadband goes down, Hybrid Backup automatically switches the customer’s connection over to EE’s 4G network without skipping a beat.
- Enhanced IT Support - For customers that don’t want the expense of employing, training, and equipping an IT team, our UK-based experts are available 24/7.
- Expert Setup - They can relax knowing that our engineers are here to help with all their IT needs. From set-up and beyond.
- Static IP - A static IP address is an IP address that stays the same.
BT Business is always here to support our customers to make sure you have as much information as possible to make the best decisions. I hope this blog gives everyone a little more knowledge of what is happening on the network and a better understanding of the products they might already have or be looking to take. As always, we welcome discussion and look forward to any question from the community about this.
Adam
