AT&T Launches New Internet Backup Service: 3 Things Customers Need to Know
AT&T has announced Internet Backup, a new service that automatically connects AT&T Fiber internet customers to its 5G network in case of a network outage.
How AT&T Internet Backup works
Internet Backup is available today for free for AT&T Fiber customers who have the following services and tech:
- 300Mbps and up Fiber internet service
- Qualifying AT&T Unlimited Postpaid wireless plan
- BGW320 gateway
- AT&T Smart Home Manager app
Internet Backup uses an AT&T customer’s smartphone as a backup internet connection. When an AT&T Fiber customer experiences an internet outage, the AT&T gateway will instead connect to their smartphone and use AT&T’s 5G cellular data network to reach the internet.
Unlike traditional hotspot and wireless tethering tools—which require you to input a new Wi-Fi password and connect to a new network—Internet Backup is designed to be seamless. Since Internet Backup goes through your AT&T gateway, the telecom giant claims your home will return online within minutes using your existing Wi-Fi network name and password.
AT&T’s the latest ISP to invest in backup services
AT&T’s far from the first ISP to roll out consumer internet and service backup tools. Xfinity’s Storm-Ready WiFi service offers a battery-powered 4G hotspot device for $7 monthly, while Google Fiber sells a backup battery pack for its phone service.
That said, the fact that Internet Backup is free for qualifying AT&T bundle customers and uses existing hardware is a huge plus. AT&T customers with a cell phone, AT&T Fiber plan, and gateway won’t have to purchase new gear or deal with rental fees to get Internet Backup.
Internet Backup also reflects how internet providers are increasingly aware of weather-related outage risks. Providers like AT&T typically bury fiber internet lines underground, but they’re not entirely immune to damage from floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters affecting AT&T internet customers. Internet Backup also joins Internet Air as the latest AT&T service to rely on the provider’s 5G mobile data network.
Will AT&T Internet Backup weather the storm?
AT&T Internet Backup isn’t the most revolutionary product, as it’s basically a streamlined cell phone hotspot. It also won’t be useful in a power outage, since you’ll need to have your AT&T gateway turned on to use it. (Although you can still use your phone as a regular 5G internet hotspot in this scenario.)
Still, these are minor nitpicks for a free service that also offers great value. We’re always onboard for making things better for internet customers, and Internet Backup checks off all the boxes. File AT&T Internet Backup as a potentially helpful perk we’re curious to see in action.
