Cloud telephony, also known as cloud calling, has transformed business communications by enabling voice services over the internet. This evolution has been significantly influenced by advancements in broadband technology, leading to more efficient and flexible communication solutions for businesses.
The Shift from Traditional Systems
The impending switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has accelerated the adoption of cloud telephony solutions. Traditional systems like Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) rely on copper wiring and are becoming obsolete. Businesses are now transitioning to modern alternatives such as Single order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), which offer enhanced speed and reliability.
Understanding SoGEA and FTTP
- SoGEA: This solution combines fibre optics to roadside cabinets with copper wiring to the premises, delivering download speeds up to 80 Mbps. It offers a balance between cost and performance, suitable for businesses with moderate data needs.
- FTTP: Providing a full fibre connection directly to the premises, FTTP delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps. This high-speed solution is ideal for businesses requiring robust data transfer capabilities and supports seamless integration with cloud telephony services.
The business benefits of SoGEA
SoGEA, or Superfast Broadband, uses the same underlying infrastructure as FTTC, so you’ll achieve similar speeds, of up to 80mb/s download and 20mb/s upload, depending on how far you are from the green roadside cabinet.
As SoGEA is predominantly a fibre broadband connection, you’ll enjoy high reliability and connection stability. It’s also going to be a bit cheaper than a full-fibre FTTP solution. However, if you have a business requirement for high-speed data transfer, multiple video conferencing instances and large volumes of online traffic, SoGEA could struggle.
But there’s another solution. You may be able to subscribe to something called Single order G-series Fast Access to Subscriber Terminals; thankfully also known as SoGFAST. SoGFAST is similar to SoGEA, but it can achieve up to 330mb/s download speeds and 50mb/s upload.
SoGFAST, or Ultrafast Broadband, still employs a mix of fibre and copper, but an additional device is installed in the green roadside cabinet to increase data speeds through the copper cable.
The business benefits of FTTP
FTTP, or Full Fibre Broadband, utilises fibre all the way from the exchange to your business premises. That makes it extremely fast. FTTP can achieve speeds of up to 1Gbps, depending on the package that you choose. That’s 1,000mb/s, which pushes its performance way beyond anything that SoGEA can deliver.
FTTP is also incredibly resilient, stable and reliable. That’s because fibre optic cables aren’t affected by electromagnetic interference in the same way that copper is. Fibre bundles are also a lot more robust.
Advantages of Cloud Telephony for Businesses
Integrating cloud telephony with advanced broadband solutions offers several benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Cloud-based systems reduce the need for on-site hardware and maintenance, leading to significant cost savings.
- Scalability: Businesses can easily adjust their communication infrastructure to accommodate growth or changes in demand.
- Flexibility: Employees can access the system from any location with an internet connection, facilitating remote work and enhancing productivity.
- Advanced Features: Cloud telephony offers functionalities like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and video conferencing, which are not typically available with traditional systems.
Preparing for the Future
As the PSTN switch-off approaches, it’s crucial for businesses to assess their current communication systems and plan for a transition to cloud-based solutions. Collaborating with reputable providers ensures a smooth migration and access to tailored solutions that meet specific business needs.
Embracing cloud telephony and modern broadband technologies positions businesses to thrive, offering enhanced communication capabilities and operational efficiencies.
Speak to our team of Cloud Telephony, Connectivity & VoIP experts today!