Will My Internet Work During a Power Outage? Fiber Benefits Explained

The lights flicker and the power goes out. Is my internet still going to work?

Whether your internet will work during a power outage depends on depends on your ISP provider's network’s design, its backup power systems and whether your home internet equipment has power.

When you lose your internet connection during a power outage, it doesn’t always mean the network has gone down. Your home’s WiFi equipment will stop working when you lose power, but your internet service provider’s network can continue operating if its critical infrastructure has backup power. And if your home equipment is connected to a generator or UPS (uninterruptible power supply), you may still be able to stay online during a power outage.

What Type of ISP Is Better During a Power Outage?

No internet connection is completely immune to power outages. However, it's important to understand a provider's network architecture and how that can affect how your connection holds up during power outages and bad weather.

Fiber-optic cables transmit data as light through glass, so the fiber itself doesn’t conduct electricity making less susceptible to electrical interference and lightning surges. Underground installation can also reduce exposure to wind, ice and falling trees. The equipment at either end of the fiber still requires power.

When evaluating a provider, ask:

• Does fiber run all the way to my home? Many networks use fiber for part of the connection. A fiber-to-the-home connection extends those benefits directly to your home.
• Does equipment between my home and the provider’s facilities require power? Each powered node or amplifier relies on commercial electricity or backup power to keep operating and are each points of failure. Ask whether backup covers the full path serving your address.
• How does the provider keep its network running during an outage? Ask about batteries, generators, how it prioritizes affected locations and how long backup systems can support service. 

How to Keep Your Fiber Internet Working During a Power Outage

It’s important to remember that, with both fiber and cable internet, your home WiFi equipment needs power to operate. That’s why having a backup power source can help keep you connected during a power outage.

A little preparation goes a long way. Before the lights go out, get your internet ready for a power outage:

• Plug your ONT and Gateway into surge protectors rated for storm protection.
• Consider adding a UPS that’s sized for several hours of runtime 
• Consider getting a home generator, which can provide backup power for an extended power outage

What to Do if Your Fiber Internet is Down After a Power Outage

Sometimes your internet service might not immediately return when your power comes back on. If your power is back on but your fiber internet service isn’t working, try rebooting your equipment to restore service.

Fidium customers can follow these steps if your power is on but your service hasn’t returned:

1. Locate your ONT: The ONT is commonly located next to your utility panel or your Gateway. It's important not to tamper with the fiber optic cable. Only use the reset button if directed by Fidium Support.
2. Reboot your ONT: Turn off the device using the power button. Unplug the power cable for 15 seconds. Then, plug it back in and turn it back on. Once booted up, the lights on the front will indicate network search and device communication.
3. Locate your Gateway: Your Gateway is commonly found near the entry point of the cable from the outside of your home or near a wired device, like a smart TV.
4. Reboot your Gateway: Locate the power cord at the back of the device. Simply unplug it to begin the reboot process. Wait at least 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Only use the reset button if directed by Fidium Support. 
   Look for the setup light to flash blue as it boots up. After start-up, the blue light will go out. You might also see a temporary green light indicating network connection and updates. This process may take up to 15 minutes. Once the front light remains off, your gateway is ready to use.
5. Check network connections: After rebooting your devices, ensure that all ethernet connections are secure. Check both ends of each cable to confirm they are firmly in place.

Stay Connected During a Power Outage with Fidium Fiber

A fiber-to-the-home connection, supported by a resilient network and backup power for your home equipment, can provide a strong foundation for staying connected when the power goes out.

At Fidium, we take proactive steps such as fueling generators, staging supplies, installing flood gates on key facilities, and preparing backup resources to mitigate interruptions to our customers’ service during  bad weather and power outages.

Learn more about the benefits of fiber internet service with Fidium at FidiumFiber.com. 

FAQs

Is fiber internet more reliable than other technologies during bad weather?

Fiber offers several advantages - it is less affected by electrical interference and lightning surges. Underground installation can also reduce exposure to wind, ice and falling trees. The equipment at either end of the fiber still requires power. 

Does fiber internet work without electricity?

While fiber transmits data using light, your fiber internet connection still requires electricity to power the ONT and router. Having a generator or UPS for your home can keep your equipment working during a power outage.

Does cable internet work without electricity?

A cable modem and router need electricity to operate. Whether the cable internet provider’s network stays operational depends on its infrastructure and backup power systems.

Will WiFi work during a power outage?

WiFi will only work if your home equipment has a power source, such as a generator or UPS. Your internet service provider’s network also has to be operational for you to access the internet.

Is it safe to use fiber internet during a storm?

Yes. Fiber-optic cables carry data as light through glass so they don't conduct electricity and are far less vulnerable to lightning-related surges. Still, use surge protectors on your ONT, Gateway, and connected devices to guard against power-line surges coming through your home's wiring.