AT&T Launches Its First Converged Feature for Consumers with Internet Backup – Using AT&T Wireless to Keep Fiber Customers Online at No Extra Cost

By Tech East 3 minute read

This new solution combines the power of AT&T Fiber and wireless, so customers can stay connected in the event of a fiber network disruption.

AT&T is proud to announce the launch of its first seamless converged experience for consumers with our new Internet Backup feature.

Starting next week, Internet Backup will roll out on our latest gateways1 across our fiber footprint, providing consumers who activate the feature with cellular backup in the event of fiber network disruption. Keeping our customers connected is what matters most, and while AT&T Fiber has over 99.9% proven reliability2, we want our customers to stay connected when they need it most.

To activate Internet Backup, customers with both AT&T Fiber and an eligible AT&T unlimited postpaid wireless plan3 will receive a notification via the Smart Home Manager app when their gateway is updated, as long as their smartphone is within reach of it. The app will guide them through a few simple steps that takes just 4 taps to enable from their smartphone.

Enable Internet Backup in 4 easy steps!

Enable Internet Backup in 4 easy steps!

Download
Enable Internet Backup in 4 easy steps!

Enable Internet Backup in 4 easy steps!

Download

Once completed, Internet Backup will automatically kick in if there’s an AT&T Fiber network disruption and your smartphone is near the gateway. Wireless service will remain active until fiber service is restored. Plus, customers can rest easy knowing they can stay connected without time constraints and no additional cost. And to keep things simple, the network will switch back to fiber automatically when it’s restored, with no action needed from the customer.

“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,” said Erin Scarborough, Senior Vice President, Product Management at AT&T. “More customers choose AT&T as their converged provider for world-class connectivity, and we’re excited to bring our expertise together in this new offering.”

This launch furthers AT&T’s leadership in converged 5G and fiber connectivity, which only we have at scale. AT&T Fiber is the nation’s largest4 and fastest internet provider with the most reliable speeds5 and we have the largest wireless coverage in North America6, covering 99% of the U.S. population.7 About 4 out of every 10 AT&T Fiber households also choose AT&T as their wireless provider. Additionally, our share of postpaid phone subscribers within the AT&T Fiber footprint is roughly 500 basis points higher than our national average.8

This is yet another step in our journey to expanding our connectivity portfolio and furthering our focus on the convergence of wireless and fiber technologies.

1 Internet Backup is available on the AT&T BGW320 gateways. Existing customers who do not have a BGW320 will receive a notification in their AT&T Smart Home Manager app when eligible to upgrade their gateway, which is the best tool to confirm the customer’s gateway model.  For more information, customers can visit att.com/fiber or call (800) 288-2020.

2 Based on network availability.

3 AT&T may slow wireless data speeds when the network is busy.

4 Based on the number of fiber to the home households using publicly available data.

5 Limited availability in select areas. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data nationwide Speed Score and Consistency Score for Q1–Q2 2024. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

6 Based on comparison of carrier owned & operated networks. No AT&T on-net coverage in select countries, including Canada.

7 Based on overall coverage in the US. Coverage not avail. everywhere.

8 Data as of the end of 3Q 2024.