AT&T’s converged backup offering is set to launch next week, the company announced this week. Internet Backup will provide cellular redundancy in case the location’s fiber connection goes down. The service, which is free, is available to those with AT&T Fiber and an AT&T unlimited postpaid wireless plan.
Customers will be notified of the availability of the service through the Smart Home Manager app. Once that happens, the service can be enabled simply by opening the app, tapping to begin activation, agreeing to terms as indicated, swiping to enable and confirming details.
At that point, connectivity will be maintained if there is a network disruption and the smartphone is near the gateway. It will remain active until fiber service is restored.
“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,” Erin Scarborough, AT&T’s Senior Vice President of Product Management said in the announcement.
The press releases say that 40% of AT&T Fiber households also have wireless service from the carrier.
AT&T’s new Internet Backup service seems to be an example of how corporate and residential networks are growing to look more alike. This is a result of the general evolution of networks and the explosion of remote work caused by the COVID-19.
In late October, AT&T said that its integrated fiber and 5G gateway, which is aimed at AT&T Business customers who order speeds of 1 Gbps or higher, will be rolled out on a national basis. The new offering will be available nationwide. The product already is available in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
