Your internet provider's backup add-on vs. a separate cellular backup

Two kinds of add-on

Cable companies sell a backup that only works with their own internet service. A technician installs a small cellular modem, often with a battery, next to your cable modem. If the cable line goes down, a few devices switch to cellular.

Wireless carriers sell a backup plan with a home or business internet gateway that runs on their network. It works with any internet provider, but only on that one carrier.

What to check on a cable company backup

• You have to keep their internet. The backup is tied to your account, so if you switch providers, the backup goes too.
• Other add-ons may be required. One we looked at needs a static IP or business Wi-Fi subscription on top of the internet. Another needs a leased router with its own monthly charge.
• Device and speed limits. One plan supports up to four devices, with downloads up to 10 Mbps while on backup. That covers a card terminal or two. It won't run a full office.
• Features that switch off. The same plan turns off the static IP and business Wi-Fi while the backup is in use. If you reach cameras, a VPN or a phone system from outside, that access stops during the outage.
• Installation. These are installed by a technician, so plan around an appointment.
• A battery is usually included, and keeps the backup modem running for 8 hours or more in a power outage. That's a real plus, and something to match if you go another way.

What to check on a wireless carrier backup

• One network. If that carrier is weak at your address, or its network is the one having problems, the backup doesn't help. Check coverage inside the building, where the gateway will sit.
• How the allowance is counted. Some plans count hours of use per month instead of gigabytes. Find out what happens when you run out.
• Failover is a separate job. The carrier's gateway is its own internet connection. To switch over automatically, you need a router that handles two connections, set up for failover.
• Built for homes first. Check whether the plan allows a static IP and what support looks like for a business.

Questions to ask before you sign up

• Do I have to keep your internet service to keep the backup?
• How many devices can use it, and how fast is it while it's on?
• Does my static IP keep working during an outage?
• Which cellular network does it use, and how is the signal at my address?
• Does it switch over on its own, or do I have to do something?
• What else do I have to subscribe to or lease?

Where a separate cellular backup fits

A separate backup plan has nothing to do with your internet provider. It plugs into your router as a second connection, so it works with any provider, and you keep it if you switch.

You choose the carrier that's strongest at your address. A router built for failover switches over on its own and moves back when the main line returns. Everything on your network keeps working, not just a few devices. If you need inbound access, a static IP can be added to the backup line itself, so it doesn't switch off during an outage.

The add-on makes sense when you're happy with your provider, only need a card terminal or two to stay up, and don't reach anything in the building from outside. A separate plan is worth the difference when the whole office has to keep working, when you need remote access during an outage, or when you want the backup to stay put if you change providers.

Getting started

FAILOVER5 plans run on Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile, from $88 a month, month to month, with no overage charges. Use your own router if it supports a second connection, or get a Peplink router from us. Put the router on a battery backup either way. If you're not sure which carrier is strongest at your address, send us your ZIP code and we'll check.

Backup internet for

• Retail stores
• Restaurants
• Law and accounting offices