Fixed broadband down? Vodafone unveils new Smart Wi-Fi Backup service

Hybrid Access Technologies, has now launched a World First solution for seamlessly using multiple smartphones in the home to act as backup connections in the event the fixed broadband connection fails. Other major operators are due to launch soon.

Vodafone is rolling out a new Wi-Fi backup service that quickly restores a customers fixed broadband in the event of an outage by automatically connecting to the mobile network.

Vodafone Smart Wi-Fi Backup, the service launched today in Italy under the name “Sempre Connessi”, will be rolled out across Vodafone’s European markets during 2025.

Fast connection

It works by automatically pairing a customer’s preregistered smartphone to a Vodafone Wi-Fi router to re-establish the broadband internet link using 4G and 5G. It is faster and more convenient than tethering a phone to a computer.

All previously connected devices, including PCs, TV, connected doorbells and games consoles, are effortlessly connected to the assigned smartphone without the need for any reconfiguration. Tests show this process is achieved in under 30 seconds.

Easy to Use

The service is easy to set up using an app downloaded from either the Android or iOS stores. Customers do not require any additional equipment, such as a dongle. They also need not worry about using up their mobile phone allowance because there is no additional charge to send and receive data (the service is zero-rated and complies with net neutrality rules because it doesn’t favour any service or content over another).

Nikos Vlachopoulos, Vodafone Group Commercial Director, said: “Vodafone Smart Wi-Fi Backup meets our promise to improve the customer experience. Whilst fixed broadband is getting faster and more reliable, any outage often happens at the worst possible time.

“Our service gives customers peace of mind that they can stay connected, whether they’re on an important video call, up against a deadline, or worried about home security.”

Intuitive

The Vodafone Smart Wi-Fi Backup App dashboard will automatically identify the best smartphone to use as the ‘lead’ backup device and helps the customer understand where in the house or building to position it for an optimal experience. The service also intuitively knows when the original connection is back up and running, whether it operates over optical fibre, copper telephone lines (DSL) or cable connections, and will switch all devices back over. The service works when there is a complete outage, possibly due a cable break or a fault in the network, but with the Wi-Fi router still on.

Required service and router

Customers who subscribe to both a Vodafone fixed broadband and a mobile service can benefit from the service. More than half of Vodafone fixed broadband customers already subscribe to a Vodafone mobile package. The service currently works with existing Vodafone Wi-Fi 5 and 6 generation routers and will be compatible with the company’s next generation of routers.

Vodafone Smart Wi-Fi Backup was developed by Vodafone technicians and UK-based Hybrid Access Technologies. Initial customer trials showed that battery consumption when the service is active is like using tethering on the phone. This will vary depending on the handset, applications and number of devices connected to it.