What is Plusnet SOGEA?
SOGEA lets you get broadband without paying for an active phone line. Here's everything you need to know about broadband-only packages.
View Broadband Only DealsWhat Does SOGEA Stand For?
SOGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. It's an Openreach product that allows broadband providers like Plusnet to offer fibre broadband without requiring an active telephone service.
Traditionally, UK broadband was delivered alongside a phone line - even if you never used the phone, you were paying for an active line. SOGEA changes this by separating broadband from phone service entirely.
With SOGEA, your broadband still uses the same physical copper and fibre infrastructure (the wires running to your home), but there's no dial tone, no phone number, and no phone service charges. It's pure broadband.
How Does SOGEA Work?
Same Wires
SOGEA uses the same copper/fibre infrastructure that runs to your home from the street cabinet or exchange.
Data Only
The connection only carries broadband data - no voice frequencies. There's no dial tone if you plug in a phone.
Same Speeds
You get exactly the same broadband speeds as a traditional phone+broadband package. Nothing is compromised.
SOGEA vs Traditional Broadband
| Feature | SOGEA (Broadband Only) | Traditional (Phone + BB) |
|---|---|---|
| Active phone line | No | Yes |
| Landline phone number | No | Yes |
| Broadband speeds | Same | Same |
| Line rental charges | No | Included |
| Emergency 999 from home phone | No | Yes |
| Works with telecare alarms | No* | Yes |
*Traditional phone-line alarms won't work. Modern alternatives using broadband or mobile are available.
SOGEA vs Full Fibre (FTTP)
Don't confuse SOGEA with Full Fibre (FTTP). They're different technologies:
SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access)
Uses FTTC technology (fibre to cabinet, copper to home). Available up to 80 Mbps. No phone service, but uses phone line infrastructure.
Full Fibre (FTTP - Fibre to the Premises)
Fibre optic cable runs directly to your home. Available 100 Mbps to 900+ Mbps. Never had a phone line - pure fibre from start.
Full Fibre is inherently "broadband only" - it never used phone line technology. SOGEA is the broadband-only version of traditional FTTC fibre that did use phone lines.
Who Should Choose SOGEA?
SOGEA is Great For
- Mobile-only households who never use landlines
- People who want simpler billing without line rental
- Those in areas without Full Fibre availability
- Renters who don't need a permanent phone number
- Anyone who hasn't used their landline in months
SOGEA May Not Suit
- Anyone needing emergency calls without mobile signal
- Users of telecare/personal alarm systems
- Those wanting to keep their existing phone number
- Households with elderly members relying on landlines
- Anyone with fax machines or older security systems
Benefits of SOGEA
- ✓No Phone Line Payment: Get broadband without paying for an active phone service you don't use.
- ✓Same Broadband Speeds: SOGEA delivers identical speeds to traditional phone+broadband packages.
- ✓Simpler Billing: One service, one bill - no separate line rental to track.
- ✓Uses Existing Infrastructure: Works over the same copper/fibre network as standard broadband.
- ✓Modern Approach: Reflects how people actually use communications today (mobile-first).
- ✓Widely Available: Available almost everywhere standard Plusnet fibre is available.
- ✓Same Support: Full Plusnet customer support just like any other package.
- ✓Easy Migration: If you have existing broadband, switching to SOGEA is straightforward.
Important Considerations
No Emergency Landline
Without a phone line, you cannot make 999 emergency calls from a home phone. Everyone in your household should have a mobile phone for emergencies.
Phone Number Lost Forever
Your existing landline phone number will be permanently disconnected and cannot be recovered later, even if you add phone service in future.
Personal Alarms May Fail
Telecare devices, medical alarms, and pendant alarms that use the phone line will stop working. Contact your provider about broadband or mobile alternatives.
Some Older Devices Affected
Older Sky boxes, alarm systems, and fax machines using the phone line won't work. Most modern alternatives use broadband instead.
Important: Phone Number Loss is Permanent
Once you switch to SOGEA, your landline phone number is permanently disconnected and cannot be recovered - even if you change your mind later. If keeping your phone number is important (for business, long-term contacts, etc.), consider a package with phone service included or port your number to a VoIP service first.
SOGEA Frequently Asked Questions
Is SOGEA slower than normal broadband?
No, SOGEA delivers exactly the same speeds as traditional FTTC broadband. The only difference is there's no phone service - the broadband speeds are identical.
Can I add a phone line later?
Yes, you can upgrade to a package with phone service later. However, you'll be assigned a new phone number - your old number cannot be restored once disconnected.
Will my router still work?
Yes, the same Plusnet Hub Two or Full Fibre router works with SOGEA. It connects and functions identically - the only difference is no phone service on the line.
Do I need an engineer visit?
Usually not, if you're switching from existing broadband at the same address. New installations or certain changes may require an Openreach visit, but Plusnet will advise you during signup.
Ready to Go Broadband Only?
Check out Plusnet's broadband-only packages and see how much you could simplify your setup.