Why I skip cellular backup for my home Wi-Fi – but you might want it

Home internet is still a luxury in some ways, but try telling that to the average American or Canadian. So many standard devices are dependent on the internet that even an hour-long disruption can be a serious problem. That issue is only amplified if you’re a remote worker, or rely on a lot of smart home accessories. It’s one thing if your console or TV goes down for an hour — it’s another if you can’t complete a work project on time, or can’t be sure your home’s security system will protect your property.

There is a potential solution to this: cellular backup for your Wi-Fi router. But how does that technology work, exactly? And is it worth investing in? Personally, I don’t find it worth my cash, but your own circumstances may dictate otherwise. In fact, some people are going to find cellular non-negotiable.

What is cellular Wi-Fi backup, and how does it work?

Switching lanes

Many people conflate Wi-Fi with their internet connection, but the reality is that your Wi-Fi network is purely local. To connect to the internet, a Wi-Fi router has to bridge with an internal or external modem. That modem then talks to your internet service provider, usually through a landline connection such as fiber.

If the landline goes down, cellular backup allows your router to take over using a separate 4G or 5G connection. Practically speaking, this usually means a built-in cellular modem, or else an add-on device like a USB dongle or an Eero Signal. Some routers may offer the choice of kicking a connection over to your phone — but while that’s cheap, the flaws are obvious. You have to be home when the outage happens, and you’re not going to be able to do much else with your phone given the sudden bandwidth demand. It could also drain your phone’s battery in a hurry if the power is down.

Speaking of which, some routers or add-on devices may include their own batteries in case you don’t have a functioning supply to plug into. Runtimes can vary considerably, from a few hours to several days, so pay attention to the fine print if you need something that can last through the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Once a stable landline connection is restored, the cellular backup system switches off. In theory, the handover process should be seamless in either direction, but real-world circumstances could produce a brief delay.

Why cellular backup isn’t for me

An expensive failsafe with limited uses

eero

My overriding concern is price. One way or another, you’re going to pay an ongoing fee, since backup depends on a separate 24/7 connection. Verizon for example charges $20 per month for its Wi-Fi Backup option, only including the necessary hardware as long as you’re subscribed to both that and one of its regular internet plans. That’s $240 per year for something you’ll rarely need (hopefully).

Going outside your ISP can potentially be cheaper, but don’t count on it. The Eero Signal is intended exclusively for that company’s own routers, and requires paying for both the add-on and an Eero Plus subscription. You’re looking at a minimum of $220 upfront for 4G, and $120 every year after your first. 5G is even more expensive. If your router has a built-in cellular modem, you might be able to get away with a SIM-equipped USB dongle instead — but expect to pay as much for that as you would for a non-contingency connection.

Despite the high cost, you might not be getting anything like your landline connection, either. 5G speeds in North America typically top out at about 280Mbps — but they’re often slower, and many landlines are near or over a gigabit anyway. 4G is going to be lethargic, and less generous backup providers may impose a data cap. However you slice it, you’re paying for something that’s just good enough to keep your devices operating, not performing at normal levels.

The clincher for me is that my internet is mostly reliable, and in the case of a prolonged outage, there’s only one device I absolutely need to keep online: my work laptop. For that, my phone’s built-in hotspot feature is enough. If there’s a prolonged outage, I can work out of a coffee shop, where paying for food and drinks occasionally is far cheaper than any of the other options I’ve mentioned.

So when does cellular backup make sense?

The edge cases

One possibility is if you’re legitimately worried about security, and your home is regularly empty during the workday, or for several days or weeks at a time while you’re on business trips. In that case, cellular backup can keep cameras and alarm systems going around the clock, assuming they have steady power. It may still be unnecessary, mind you — some security providers offer their own cellular and battery options if you’re paying for a subscription. Check before paying for router-based backup.

You may also want backup if you’re often away and your home is unusually dependent on smart home automations. While some accessories can keep their automations going offline — such as smart thermostats, or some lighting hubs — many require internet access via Wi-Fi. That can spell disaster if you’re counting on them to keep temperature or humidity under control, or switch lights on and off to simulate occupancy. You may even lose some control over smart locks, though they’re likely to close by default, and there’s always a way of opening them locally.

Beyond these things, reasons start to run thin. The only other strong case is if you run a business that can’t afford to be offline for more than a few minutes. Automatic failover minimizes your downtime, simultaneously leaving your phone free for calls, texts, and anything else you might demand. I know I’d want a 24/7 router if my income was dependent on processing payments, or uploading and downloading large project files. Indeed, cellular backup is often included by default with better ISP business plans.

The verdict, I think, is that you probably don’t need cellular backup for Wi-Fi, since you likely live in a reasonably safe neighborhood, and most people have decent fallbacks already. If you do need non-stop internet, you probably weren’t waiting on me to tell you.