Alternatives To Full Fibre Broadband For Small Businesses

By Emma Lewis, bOnline

As many as 70% of micro businesses still can’t get full-fibre broadband, something due to a combination of factors, with Openreach also prioritising residential addresses in particular.

VoIP digital phone systems work best with high-speed fibre broadband. That’s because it’s super fast and stable, making video calling, downloading and streaming easier. Voice calls are also crystal-clear thanks to low latency.

 

SoGEA – The Modern Copper-Based Option

 

SoGEA is basically a broadband-only service that doesn’t need a traditional phone line. It uses the existing copper infrastructure (like FTTC – Fibre to the Cabinet) but makes things easier by removing the need to order a separate landline. For small businesses, this means:

• Lower costs (because you’re not paying for line rental)
  
• Easier setup and maintenance
  
• Decent speeds – typically up to 80 Mbps download

While it’s not as fast as full fibre, SoGEA is a reliable and affordable choice, especially for businesses that rely on cloud software, VoIP calls, web browsing and emails. It’s widely available throughout the UK and is generally seen as a smart “next step” for businesses still using older ADSL connections.

 

FTTC – Fibre to the Cabinet

 

FTTC is SoGEA’s older cousin. FTTC stands for Fibre to the Cabinet, and as the name suggests, fibre runs to a street cabinet with the last stretch to your premises being delivered via traditional copper wires.

FTTC has been the go-to for many UK businesses for years. It’s available in most areas at a reasonable price and is faster than older ADSL lines (with speeds up to 80 Mbps).

However, because it relies on copper for the final stretch, speeds can vary depending on your distance from the cabinet. Copper lines are also being phased out in the UK by 2027, meaning FTTC is rather on borrowed time.

Mobile Broadband – 4G and 5G

 

If you’re in a location where fixed-line broadband isn’t great, mobile broadband is a useful alternative. Using 4G or 5G signals, this type of internet connects via the same network as your mobile phone.

Mobile broadband is attractive necasue it’s very quick and easy to set up. All you need to do is plug in a router or hotspot device. It’s also highly portable, so ideal for working on the move. Speeds are increasing too, with 5G widely available in many areas of the UK.

 

When All Else Fails: Satellite

 

For small businesses in extremely remote or rural areas, satellite broadband can be a lifeline. Services like Starlink have made satellite internet faster and more reliable than the older generation of satellite providers.

It really only works though if there’s a very clear view of the sky although you can hopefully expect speeds of 100-200 Mbps. It’s also generally quite pricey, and may have slightly higher latency (delay), which can affect real-time applications like video calls. But if you’re in a broadband “not-spot,” it can absolutely get you up and running.

 

What To Consider

 

Full fibre broadband might be the gold standard, but small UK businesses have plenty of strong alternatives while they wait. From SoGEA’s simplicity to 5G’s speed there’s usually something that will work.

The key is to consider your current needs, future business growth and what’s available in your area. With the right choice, your business can stay online, productive and ready for whatever comes next – fibre or not!