AT&T launches new backup internet feature for AT&T Fiber customers

AT&T recently introduced its new Internet Backup feature, which serves as a way to keep AT&T Fiber customers online during an outage or service disruption.

AT&T Internet Backup will roll out to AT&T’s latest gateways across its fiber footprint. Customers who activate the Internet Backup feature will be backed up by AT&T’s cellular network if their fiber internet is disrupted.

What do I need for AT&T Internet Backup?

AT&T Internet Backup is available to AT&T Fiber internet customers who have an unlimited AT&T postpaid wireless plan. AT&T Fiber offers fiber plans ranging from 300 to 5,000 Mbps across its service footprints and three unlimited postpaid plans.

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How does it work?

According to AT&T, once a user completes the activation process, the feature will automatically kick in during a service disruption and switch back once service is restored. Instead of using hotspot data, the feature uses the unlimited data included in your wireless plan, which is why a wireless plan is required for activation.

If you cancel your AT&T Fiber plan, switch to a mobile plan with a data limit, delete the Smart Home Manager app or your gateway loses power, the Internet Backup feature will deactivate.

How do I activate AT&T Internet Backup?

Customers with both AT&T Fiber and an eligible AT&T unlimited mobile plan will receive a notification via AT&T’s Smart Home Manager app when their gateway is updated with the feature. Your smartphone must be in the range of the gateway, and the app will guide you through a few simple steps to enable Internet Backup from your smartphone.

Steps to enable Internet Backup:

1. Tap to open the Smart Home Manager app
2. Tap to begin activation
3. Agree to terms and swipe to enable
4. Confirm details

“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.”

— Erin Scarborough

AT&T Senior Vice President, Product Management

Do other providers offer backup options?

Aside from AT&T, T-Mobile offers a similar feature for its 5G Home Internet customers.

T-Mobile’s Home Internet Backup provides 130 GB of 5G data per month, as well as 130 GB of free extra data, three times per year. The feature also has no annual contracts or equipment fees and claims a simple setup process in 15 minutes or less.

Unlike AT&T’s free Internet Backup feature, T-Mobile Home Internet Backup costs $10/mo. with AutoPay and a T-Mobile postpaid voice line or $20/mo. with AutoPay and no voice line. T-Mobile’s backup feature requires its own gateway, but it’s included in the cost of the backup plan.

While it costs extra, you don’t need a T-Mobile wireless plan to use its internet backup feature, but it does reduce the plan’s cost.