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Battery Service Plan

Stay Connected When the Power Goes Out with Battery Backup

A Battery Backup Guide for Fiber Internet and Phone Service

Fiber technology brings fast, reliable phone and internet service to your home. But unlike traditional copper phone lines, fiber equipment requires power to operate. If your electricity goes out, your internet and phone will also go out — unless you have a battery backup. [Battery Backup Guide]

Without a backup battery or another power source, such as a generator or a whole home backup system, you will not be able to use the internet or make calls during an outage, including emergency calls to 911.

Why Backup Power Matters

During a power outage, your fiber Optical Network Terminal (ONT) — the device that delivers your internet and voice services — will shut down unless it has a backup power source. Without backup power, your phone will not work, including the ability to dial 911. Your internet will also not function, unless all required equipment is powered.

What the Battery Backup Does NOT Power

  • Your Wi-Fi Router: To keep your internet working during an outage, in most cases, your Wi‑Fi router needs to be connected to a separate UPS.
  • Other Optional Devices: Cordless phone base station, mesh Wi-Fi units, computers, network switches/hubs, or smart-home hubs/devices also require power to operate. These devices can also be backed up with a UPS.

Types of Backup Power Options

1. Integrated ONT Battery Backup Unit (provided by WCVT)

  • Typically provides 4–8 hours of runtime.
  • Unless an additional Battery Backup is purchased, the power supply only powers the ONT.
  • Includes replaceable batteries and status (power out, low battery, charging, etc.).
  • Up to four batteries can be stacked, providing up to 24 hours of standby power.

2. External Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

  • Can power your ONT, router, and cordless phones.
  • Runtime varies based on UPS capacity.
  • Available in compact lead‑acid or modern lithium models.

3. Generator or Whole‑Home Backup Options

  • Includes generators, high‑capacity batteries (Tesla power walls), or solar backup.
  • Provides long-duration coverage.
  • More expensive and typically used for whole-home backup needs.

Key Things to Know

  • Cordless phones require backup power.
  • Both the ONT and Wi-Fi router must both be powered for your internet service to work.
  • Battery backup is optional for internet but highly recommended for voice so Emergency 911 service will work.

WCVT’s Battery Backup Options

One free battery is provided with fiber voice installations. If you subscribe to internet service only, a battery will only be installed if you choose to purchase one.

WCVT Battery Service Plan

  • $5.95 per month
  • Covers batteries and chargers
  • Free replacement of battery and/or charger due to performance failure

Additional Battery Purchase or Replacement

  • $100.00 per additional battery
  • Full replacement of battery and/or charger at any time due to performance failure

Note: WCVT does not replace ONT batteries due to normal depletion during outages. Batteries will recharge automatically once power is restored or when using a generator.

FAQs

WCVT wants to provide our customers with reliable backup batteries that allow you to continue using your home voice services during a power outage. We offer 8-hour and 24-hour backup batteries to power your WCVT demarcation equipment during an outage. All the backup batteries we sell come with a manufacturer’s warranty.

The 8-hour backup battery provides up to 8 hours of standby power or about 4–5 hours of talk time. The 24-hour backup battery provides up to 24 hours of standby power and about 18 hours of talk time. Backup batteries power only voice service and do not supply power to home security systems, medical monitoring devices, routers, or other equipment. They also do not power phone handsets that require electricity. To use voice service during a power outage, you must have a phone that plugs directly into a phone jack and can operate on backup power.

The backup battery’s ability to power your phone service can be affected by several factors, including the battery’s age, improper home wiring and grounding, unprotected power surges, manufacturer defects, improper storage conditions, or failure to keep the power pack plugged in. Environmental factors, such as temperature, can also shorten your battery’s lifespan. We recommend storing your battery between 41°F and 104°F. Our batteries are rechargeable and feature an audible alarm and LED indicators that signal a bad battery, low battery, or utility line power failure. If the battery continues to alert despite being plugged into a working outlet, it may have failed and need replacement. To test your battery, unplug the unit to verify proper functioning.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Feel free to reach out. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have!

Call us: 800-496-3391
Email us: csdept@corp.wcvt.com