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Brutal heat and violent storms can wreak havoc on overloaded power grids, and this summer could be one of the worst on record. If extreme weather or another power-disrupting event knocks out your power, it could also knock out your internet connection.
Unlike other causes of internet outages, power outages can be harder to overcome. However, there are a few ways to restore and maintain your online connection even if the power is still out.
If you’re reading this, your power may have gone out and you need to get your internet connection back up fast. In that case, let me get right to it: Here’s how to stay connected to the internet when the power goes out.
Quick fix: mobile hotspot and tethering
Enabling a mobile hotspot on your phone essentially turns the device into a router, broadcasting its mobile internet connection for other devices to use. It’s not the same as your home Wi-Fi — your speeds will likely be much lower and only support a limited number of devices — but it should get you by.
Read more: How to use your iPhone or Android phone as a mobile hotspot.
Tethering is similar in that it shares your phone’s internet data with other devices, but it does so over a wired (USB or Ethernet) or Bluetooth connection instead of Wi-Fi. A few things to keep in mind when using a mobile hotspot or tethering:
- Just because you have the mobile hotspot feature on your phone doesn’t necessarily mean the service is included with your mobile plan.
- The connection only works until your phone runs out of power. Consider charging it in your car (if it’s safe to do so) if your battery starts to run low before the power comes back on.
- You’re using your data. If you have a cap, using a mobile hotspot can put you over your limit, which can result in extra charges or slower speeds. Even if your mobile plan offers “unlimited” data, there may be a soft cap or a cap specific to hotspot usage.
Check with your mobile carrier to see if mobile hotspot use is included in your plan and if there are any data caps. If you have a data cap, check out CNET’s guide to managing your data usage.
Automatic Solution: Mobile Internet Backup
Some ISPs offer a separate cellular plan or service add-on to keep you connected. Xfinity’s Storm-Ready Wi-Fi and T-Mobile’s Home Internet Backup With these subscriptions you get equipment and a mobile connection, for example if your standard connection fails.
Storm-Ready Wi-Fi is available to Xfinity Internet customers for $7 per month for 36 months or a one-time fee of $252 for the rechargeable 4-hour battery backup. If the power goes out or your cable Internet connection is lost, the Internet service automatically switches to a 4G LTE cellular connection with unlimited data.
T-Mobile offers a 5G home internet connection (where available), but with a data cap and a slightly higher monthly fee. The Home Internet Backup plan includes 130GB of data and free equipment, starting at $30 per month or $20 for T-Mobile voice customers.
However, you will need power for the T-Mobile router. If you plan on using your Home Internet Backup service during a power outage, you may want to invest in a battery backup or other portable power supply.
Long-term solution: generators or other energy sources
Connecting power to your modem or router may be enough to keep your internet running when the power goes out.
In many cases, a local power outage will not stop internet service from reaching your home. Wireless and fiber optic internet do not require power to travel, although a power outage at the distribution point can cause a temporary outage.
Cable Internet requires power to the nodes (connection points that transmit Internet services), but many Internet providers have a backup power source so they can keep your Internet service going.
So the problem isn’t necessarily getting internet service to your house. The problem is how you use it. Without power to your modem or ONT device, you can’t connect to the internet, and without power to your router, there’s no wifi.
Portable power stations and generators are ideal for continuously powering things like your refrigerator, heater, fans, or internet devices. Here are some helpful links to help you find the right device for your home and needs.
What about battery backups or a UPS?
Rechargeable battery backups will keep your internet devices running for a few hours at most before needing to be recharged. Without a power source this can be a problem, but a solar battery can be the solution.
When it comes to a UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, most devices aren’t designed to last more than 15 minutes. That’s long enough to save your work or send last-minute emails before your connection drops, but not much longer.
Stay connected and stay safe
It is important to maintain your internet connection during power outages, especially if you are using it for information or communication, but safety is paramount. Always be careful when handling electrical equipment and avoid tampering with internet lines that enter your home.
For more tips on getting the most out of your home internet connection, check out CNET’s Home Internet page. And be sure to visit CNET’s Home Energy and Utilities page for more information on powering your home.
