Original article ISPreview UK:
Broadband, mobile and phone provider Vodafone UK has today announced that they’ve teamed up with rival ISPs BT, KCOM and Zen Internet to help bring an improved Broadband Battery Backup (BBU) device for WiFi routers to market, which is said to be capable of powering a customers broadband router (inc. digital phone/voice service) for up to 4-to-7 hours.
At present, many ISPs already provide a BBU to “vulnerable customers” who have taken their IP-based digital voice/phone services (these are usually free). The BBU is designed to ensure that the customer’s router still works when there’s a power cut, which means they’re able to make an emergency call using an existing handset. Regular customers can often also get one of these, but it will typically attract an additional cost.
NOTE: Remember to make your ISP aware if you’re classed as “vulnerable“. Vulnerable customers that fall into the regulation are those who are dependent on their phone line to contact emergency services, have telecare devices/alarms or customers that live in a low mobile coverage area.
However, most existing BBUs are only designed to meet or just about exceed Ofcom’s current minimum requirement, which means that they can only provide power to the above kit for “at least an hour” if there’s a power cut. Suffice to say that longer outages, which are more likely to occur in rural areas, can be problematic. But last year saw the government pushing providers to introduce BBU’s that could potentially last “up to” 8 hours (here).
All of this is relevant because the industry is currently in the process of retiring legacy phone services (PSTN/WLR) that were dependent upon copper lines (note: the copper lines themselves aren’t being completely retired, yet, just the phone service that goes over the top). One advantage of this old method is that the lines could be powered from an exchange, thus BBU’s were not required, but this is not possible with modern digital equivalents (especially if fibre optic / FTTP lines are involved as these cannot carry electricity).
The plan to switch-off older phone lines was recently delayed by BT and Openreach to 31st January 2027 in order to give internet and phone providers, as well as telecare providers and consumers, more time to adapt (details). The plan to introduce a new BBU forms part of that response and is designed to “help protect landline-dependent customers from disconnection during emergencies such as power cuts,” said Vodafone.
Crucially, the new BBU (pictured – top) exceeds Ofcom’s requirements as it provides up to 4-7 hours of connectivity and Vodafone said they are also making these devices “available for wholesale” to other ISPs (white-labelling), which initially appears to also include BT, KCOM and Zen Internet. The benefit of this likely stems from economics of scale – larger batteries tend to be much more expensive, but some of that can be mitigated through manufacturing volume.
The New Battery Backup Units
Jointly developed by Vodafone and Wire Technologies, a UK-based manufacturer of data transmission products and components for data centres, the new BBU is described as being “compact and simple to install“. In the event of a power cut, the switch from mains to battery is automatic and seamless, ensuring user connectivity isn’t hindered.
The device also features a unique emergency mode, which automatically reserves 25% of the battery’s runtime. This is particularly useful for those who experience a power cut unknowingly overnight and require reliable connectivity first thing in the morning. The product has been developed sustainably, using 95% recycled plastic.
Vodafone said they will be distributing the devices to all customers recognised as landline dependent free of charge. For everyone else, the device will cost £150.
Vodafone Broadband Battery Backup for Wi-Fi Key Features
- Ability to power both router and ONT/Modem simultaneously
- Long runtime – 7 hours for 25W router/4 hours for 55W router
- Compact size, lightweight and easy to install
- Emergency mode – saves 25% of the battery capacity, which can be accessed in an emergency
- USB-C charging port – for charging mobile phones or tablets
- Time remaining indication in hours and minutes
- LED light indicator
- Audible alarm indicator
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions (mm): 100x100x62
- Case Construction: ABS Fireproof Rated Plastic
- Output Current: 3.5A (max)
- Output Voltage: 12V(max)
- Capacity (Watt-hours): 56Wh
- Battery Cell: Lithium-ion (6 x 2600mAh)
- USB Type C
- Display: LCD screen with time indicator
- Power Button: Red/Green/Blue/White LED
- Fully Certified: UK & EU markets
The UK Government’s Minister for Telecoms and Data, Chris Bryant, welcomed the development and said: “Since stepping into office, I have made it my utmost priority to work with telecoms companies to put safety at the centre of the migration from analogue to digital landlines, and it is great to see the industry going to lengths to maximise tech innovation to boost safeguards for vulnerable people.”
Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director of Vodafone UK, said:
“At Vodafone, 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.
As we manage various power cut episodes across the country and approach the significant PSTN switch off in early 2027, we recognise the vital importance of safeguarding landline-dependent customers. That is why we are proud to work with other leading telcos to ensure everyone has access to a robust solution which delivers peace of mind and uninterrupted connectivity.”
While the UK’s electricity network was relatively stable last year, major events such as Storm Darragh caused significant disruption, with around 70,000 residents experiencing a power outage as a result, although some of these lasted for days rather than hours. A 2023 report by UKPower found that almost 66% of Brits experienced a power outage in their local area, with 23% reporting these taking place on an almost annual basis.
Elsewhere, Vodafone added that KCOM, which have already migrated 60,000 customers to fibre voice services, will also be offering the BBU, albeit with a twist. KCOM will use the devices to provide a longer-life battery for ‘at risk’ customers who have their voice service migrated and delivered via the full fibre network. “While not providing full internet connectivity because of the way KCOM’s network is configured, the devices will provide up to 12 hours emergency cover for voice calls in the event of a power cut or similar event,” said the operator.
The new BBU marks a significant improvement over the old kit and should be welcomed, although it’s admittedly still not a solution for outages that last longer than a few hours. But there are some inescapable economic realities here and, past a certain point, it simply becomes too expensive for retail telecoms providers to offer solutions with more capacity.
Consumers can of course buy much larger portable power stations online for more money, or may even be able to save money on their electricity bills by investing in a whole-home solution (e.g. GivEnergy) that covers your entire house and charges up at cheaper off-peak rates. But the latter does tend to cost several thousand pounds.
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that BT and Openreach are currently testing an additional SOTAP for Analogue (Pre-Digital Phone Line) product that does NOT require a broadband connection to function, is powered (no need for battery backup) and will be targeted at vulnerable and edge use cases (inc. CNI) users – those with old analogue phone lines who would otherwise “face challenges” in migrating to IP based voice solutions. The solution, once introduced this year, will however not be available for new service provisions (only existing customers) and is intended to be a temporary product until around 2030.
Vodafone will also be making the Broadband Battery Backup available to business customers in the near future.
