AT&T introduces a wireless backup option for fiber optic internet outages.
Serenity at no cost.
AT&T has introduced a new feature called Internet Backup, designed to automatically switch from a home wired internet connection to a cellular connection via a nearby smartphone in the event of a fiber service outage. This feature is offered at no additional cost to customers with AT&T Fiber service and an "eligible unlimited postpaid wireless plan" that includes unlimited data.
The rollout of Internet Backup will begin next week with a software update for AT&T's BGW320 Wi-Fi gateways. The company has indicated that fiber users with different equipment "may need to upgrade to access this feature."
To activate Internet Backup, eligible customers should look for a notification through the AT&T Smart Home Manager app, informing them that their gateway has been updated. It is important for the eligible smartphone to be "within range" of the gateway for this backup functionality to work properly.
The app guides users through a simple setup process to activate the feature. Once activated, Internet Backup will automatically switch to cellular data if a fiber service interruption occurs (according to AT&T, this process may take up to two minutes) and will revert to the original connection once the service is restored. Users will receive notifications on their smartphone when Internet Backup is activated, and instead of using hotspot mobile data, it will utilize the unlimited data provided by the eligible wireless plan.
However, this feature will be disabled if customers cancel their AT&T Fiber or cellular service, switch to a limited plan, remove the AT&T Smart Home Manager app, or when the Wi-Fi gateway loses power.
It is worth noting that T-Mobile launched a similar solution last June, which uses a cellular connection as an alternative internet source at home during cable or fiber outages. Unlike AT&T's solution, which is free for eligible customers and relies on their existing smartphone and service plans, T-Mobile’s home internet backup plan starts with an additional charge of $30 per month for 130GB of 5G data, using a gateway router that connects directly to T-Mobile's cellular data network.
