Vodafone launches ‘very important’ wi-fi back-up system as main energy swap off approaches
Vodafone has teamed up with traditional telecom rivals to launch a revolutionary wi-fi battery back-up device that will provide a lifeline to millions of vulnerable people across the country.
Vodafone is joining forces with its usual telecom competitors to roll out a game-changing wi-fi battery back-up gadget, set to be a lifeline for millions of vulnerable Brits.
The UK’s old-fashioned telephone line network will be history in less than two years as all calls get rerouted via internet cables. But there’s a snag – unlike the good old phone lines, these need a home power supply, which could leave the elderly and vulnerable high and dry during a power cut.
Vodafone’s come up with a cutting-edge battery back-up device that’ll keep a wi-fi router running for up to seven hours – and they’re handing one out free to all their vulnerable customers before the Big Switch-Off in 2027.
In an unusual show of unity in the fiercely competitive telecom sector, Vodafone will also be providing the unit to BT and other rival broadband and phone providers.
Telecoms and Data Minister Chris Bryant praised the initiative, saying: “Innovative solutions such as Vodafone’s broadband battery backup can provide peace of mind to landline dependent customers”.
Traditional wi-fi battery backups are bulky, heavy, tricky to set up, and only work for a limited time. The new Vodafone box, a mere 4 inches square by 2.5 inches and lightweight, can provide power for between 4-7 hours, depending on the router type.
Vital devices
This device surpasses regulations that mandate telecom companies to keep landline-dependent customers connected to vital services—like medical assistance, support network communication, and emergency information—for up to one hour during a power outage.
For some, staying connected is a lifeline in emergencies, making it crucial that the most vulnerable are not isolated or cut off from essential resources.
This will become even more critical by January 2027 when traditional PSTN landlines are phased out and replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) services will be the only fixed connection entering homes. Despite the UK’s electricity network holding up pretty well last year, major incidents like Storm Darragh did cause a fair bit of chaos, leaving around 70,000 residents in the dark.
Blackouts
A 2023 report by UKPower also revealed that nearly two-thirds of Brits had a power cut in their local area, with almost a quarter saying these blackouts happen almost every year. The device has a nifty emergency mode that automatically keeps back 25% of the battery’s juice.
Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director at Vodafone UK, said: “We are committed to ensuring our customers stay connected no matter the circumstance. Our innovative Broadband Battery Backup device for WiFi, offering an industry-leading 4 to 7 hours of connectivity, is a testament to that promise.”
Lucy Baker from BT chimed in: “BT has remained committed to providing solutions for customers with additional needs. Following an extensive review of the market we are pleased to bring our customers the latest in broadband battery backup technology.”
Vodafone isn’t stopping there, they’re also supplying their Broadband Battery Backup device to KCOM, the top dog internet provider in Hull and East Yorkshire, who’ve already switched 60,000 customers over to fibre voice services.
So, keep your connection going even when the lights go out with the Broadband Battery Backup for WiFi from Vodafone.
For more info, head over to Vodafone’s accessories website: www.getgofone.co.uk.
