Insights for a Fear-Free Business Broadband
As Halloween approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to things that go bump in the night, spooky tales, and the eerie unknown. Surprisingly, for many businesses, one of the most frightening aspects is their broadband. While it might not seem particularly scary at first glance, the uncertainty about the type of connection needed and the recent halt in Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) services can be enough to unsettle even the most robust constitution.
Fear not, for we are here to illuminate the shadows surrounding business broadband and assure you that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Evolution of Business Broadband: Where We’ve Been
Not too long ago, business broadband had three primary variants: ADSL, FTTC, and Full Fibre.
- ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): The standard copper broadband, ADSL, operated on the old copper telephone network. Prone to interference and signal loss, it provided download speeds of up to 10Mbps. With the PSTN stop sell now in effect, ADSL is no longer available except in rare circumstances.
- FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet): Positioned as ‘fibre broadband,’ FTTC improved upon ADSL. While fibre optic cable connected the nearest street cabinet to the internet, the distance between the cabinet and premises still relied on copper wires. Offering faster and more reliable speeds, FTTC averaged around 67Mbps for smooth web browsing and video calling.
- Full Fibre (FTTP – Fibre to the Premises): Modern broadband using fibre optic cable directly to your home or office. Faster, more reliable, and likely the technology for most future broadband connections.
The Future of Business Broadband: Where We’re Headed
With the PSTN stop sell, the landscape for business broadband has changed. Now, there are two primary options:
- Full Fibre: Where available, this is the go-to choice with download speeds reaching up to 900Mbps. It provides a faster and more reliable alternative to older forms of business broadband.
- SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access): In areas where full fibre isn’t available, SOGEA utilizes the infrastructure left by FTTC. It uses fibre optic cables up to the street cabinet and copper wires for the final leg, offering speeds and performance similar to FTTC.
For guaranteed availability, performance, and exclusive connectivity, businesses also have the option of an Ethernet leased line, available in various speeds.
What’s New in Business Broadband?
Apart from the discontinuation of ADSL and FTTC, and their replacement by SOGEA, there’s another notable change – business broadband no longer includes line rental or an associated telephone service. So, how do you manage calls?
For a single-line solution, akin to traditional business line rental, a Digital Voice service is the answer. It operates over your broadband connection, providing a similar experience to traditional line rental. For multi-line services or the addition of call center functionality, Rocket Fibre is the solution.
In conclusion, as the broadband landscape undergoes changes, there’s genuinely nothing to fear. Embrace the advancements and ensure your business stays connected in the ever-evolving world of broadband.
