SoGEA or Full Fibre?

[#1]

There are many posts in regards to both these topics and keeping/losing a landline. My question is this:

Do I opt for PN to switch me to SoGEA where I would retain my current FTTC connection and LOSE the landline?

or

Go with Full Fibre (if it`s available to me and not too pricey) and still lose the landline, future-proofing myself from further disruption because if I opted for and stayed on SoGEA up until end of 2025, I`d still face the dilemma of disruption after that timeline to get FTTP anyway as the copper cables will be ceased?

What`s confusing me is this. I`ve did a quick search on this and read that even when your SoGEA, the Fibre broadband is still reliant on copper cables from the cabinet to the premises. Therefor, all that`s going to happen is I lose the landline when re-contracting. Which is looming for me mid-October anyway. 

I don`t want to use a third party landline operator (already decided that) so right now, I`m juggling with the two options above and it would be easier just to ask PN to put me onto SoGEA and lose the landline and stay `as is` for my Unlimited Fibre as that just means re-contracting for that on it`s own. But I also have the option of looking at FULL fibre too, if it means by-passing having to switch to that in just over a years time all over again?

Hope that makes sense? 

[#2]

If Full fibre (FTTP) is available then I recommend going for that. It's not subject to the problems with ageing copper circuits and will give a far more stable connection and at the provisioned speed, not 'up to' depending on distance to the cabinet.

You MAY have no choice anyway, once FTTP has been available for some time, then your exchange may be defined as 'Fibre priority' which means any change of product or ISP must be to an FTTP product.

[#3]

@plusmouse Bearing in mind that you will lose the landline at some point - currently Jan 2027 - NOT 2025, and Full Fibre once setup is inherently a more stable product, my personal suggestion would be to switch to FF at the earliest opportunity, but don't forget if you still want a 'landline' type phone, you will need to arrange that as a separate connection, with a VoIP provider.

[#4]

Thanks BOTH. 🙂

@jab1 : I`d no idea that the landline cut-off date was nearer Jan 2027!! You`ve got me wondering now that I may even still have a 2 year window for another BB/Line contract with PN but I know that`s kicking the can down the road to retain what I already have. But it`s an option I suppose. 

I`ll check out whether I can get FF here (FK10) postcode in Central Scotland. Check out the pricing and ponder both options. But knowing about that longer cut off date for the copper lines (and if it ends up being the best option right now) could give me a bit more time.

[#5]

@plusmouse 

When considering the conflicting dates floating around then be aware that there is another factor to consider.

We have not yet heard from Plusnet when they will be closing supporting PTSN phone lines. It is a bold assumption that Plusnet will keep this going until the point that BT pulls the plug, whether it is the end on next year or January 2027.

BT are currently transferring their customers region by region regardless of whether the old system is still available. 

[#6]

@jab1 

I'll need to go looking for the ISPReview article but OR issued a clarification to the 2027 date published in a press release.The switchoff is still planned for end of 2025 execept in exceptional circumstances where ISP's (and hence their customer) can get short term contracts.

@plusmouse 

It is not the copper wire that is being withdrawn - it is PSTN. While most of the cables from an Exchange to the cabinets will be redundant the wire from the FTTC cabinet to a premise will still be used for SOGEA.

If you accept the loss of your landline then FTTP is the way to go. It is far better speed wise (you'll get near advertised speeds) and is less prone to faults.

Brian

[#7]

@plusmouse 

Login to your PN Members page and check for upgrades. It'll tell you if FF is available.

If it's not, then you could check www.openreach.com to see if they have any plans for your premise.

Brian

[#8]

@Baldrick1 I would think, given that there is only a short period of time, technologically speaking, between now and Jan 2027, BT Consumer Division, of which PN is a small component, will, or should, have a planned strategy for managing this.

BT RETAIL (i.e. BT Broadband) are currently currently transferring their customer to the proprietary BT version of VoIP/SoGEA.

[#9]

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@bmc wrote:

@jab1 

I'll need to go looking for the ISPReview article but OR issued a clarification to the 2027 date published in a press release.The switchoff is still planned for end of 2025 execept in exceptional circumstances where ISP's (and hence their customer) can get short term contracts.

Please do.

[#10]

This one https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/05/openreach-update-as-analogue-uk-phone-switch-off-delay...

[#11]

Thanks, @MisterW . Thought I had read that previously, which is what prompted me to query some of the comments in previous posts here (and, IIRC,  on similar topics)

[#12]

@jab1 

Well that was easy. Apart from @MisterW beating me to it ISPReview had an article today (BT warning about analogue phones is Lifts) that linked to the article I was looking for.

You need to scroll down to the end to see the update about WLR contracts being withdrawn at the end of 2025. ISP's will have to request short term extensions as required for vunerable people. I would imagine that as PN are withdrawing from phone services the bulk of their customers will have until the end of 2025 to move to digital (unless PN pull the plug earlier).

Brian

Edit : 31st January 2027 is the new final closure date.

[#13]

Given that Virgin Media have indefinitely paused their transfers, and noting that they are totally divorced from the BT infrastructure, so have obviously paused for reasons they have identified, I wonder how reliable the BT statements are?

[#14]

@jab1  Don't quite understand your comment about Virgin Media relating to the accuracy of BT statements🤔

I was writing a post to put on this thread then found a whole string of new ones covering the same subject.

This is the direct link to the PSTN short contract renewals announcement.

line rental contract terminations 

The conclusion, the exact date for PSTN withdrawal is vague and undefined. 

@plusmouse as has been advised to avoid uncertainty it would be a good idea to move Full Fibre (if available) or SOGEA.

[#15]

@RealAleMadrid Sorry - all I was trying to say there (badly, it appears) is that there are a number of other factors involved in this moveable feast, not least being the readiness or otherwise of telecare, and other service providers, reliant on communications networks.

As you say, the PSTN withdrawal date  is vague and undefined.