Your internet could go out unexpectedly while you’re in the middle of an important task. If you’re using AT&T and have the Internet Backup feature enabled, your gateway will immediately switch to their wireless network. You don’t have to do anything.
Starting next week, AT&T will introduce a feature called Internet Backup on its newest gateways. It provides a backup cellular connection if your fiber internet goes down. Even though AT&T Fiber is very reliable, with a proven 99.9% uptime, the goal is to ensure that there’s never a time when you’re cut off from the internet.
Stay connected with no extra fees
On December 2, AT&T announced a new feature with the unpredictable nature of internet outages in mind. Internet Backup helps you stay connected to the web if your regular fiber connection goes down. If you have both AT&T Fiber and an eligible wireless plan, the feature will switch your internet to AT&T’s wireless network by itself.
It won’t use your mobile hotspot data allowance. Instead, it will use the unlimited data that comes with your eligible wireless plan. So, you won’t have to worry about extra charges or data limits. It’s a smart move to keep itself among the big three carriers and stay ahead of any competition.
At AT&T, Internet Backup was designed with the customer at the center. Instead of requiring customers to buy new equipment or sign up for additional wireless plans, we are deploying the feature on existing devices at no extra cost. More customers choose AT&T as their converged provider for world-class connectivity, and we’re excited to bring our expertise together in this new offering.
Erin Scarborough, Senior Vice President, Product Management at AT&T.
When your gateway, the device that connects your home to the fiber network, receives an update, the Smart Home Manager app on your smartphone will notify you. Then you’ll activate Internet Backup through the app. Your connection will change to the wireless network. When the fiber connection is restored, your gateway reverts to the fiber connection.
Related: AT&T Wants to Give You a Free No-Strings 5G Trial
Internet Backup keeps you connected with the right gateway
AT&T’s wireless network covers almost all of the U.S. population, around 99%. Wherever you are in the country, you’re likely to have a strong signal for your phone or internet needs. If you’re a Fiber customer, you might also use AT&T for your mobile phone service.
About four out of every 10 people who use AT&T Fiber also choose AT&T for their wireless plan, proving how many people trust the carrier for both home internet and mobile service.
Related: AT&T’s Holiday Deals Give You Big Savings On Phones And Watches
That said, Internet Backup only works with a specific model of AT&T’s gateway, the BGW320. If you have a different gateway, you might need to upgrade to access the feature. Contact their customer support to check your gateway model and whether it’s eligible for the upgrade.
Also, the feature depends on the availability of the network. In some cases, there could be limitations in certain areas or under certain conditions. If there’s heavy traffic on AT&T’s wireless network, they might reduce the speed of your wireless data temporarily. In other cases, there could be a malfunction with the gateway or the device connecting to the network.
