Why it matters: If you’re tired of your cable or fiber internet cutting out at the worst possible times, T-Mobile has a new backup plan that might be worth considering. The Un-carrier just announced Home Internet Backup, offering traditional internet service provider customers an affordable way to stay online when their primary connection fails.
With Home Internet Backup, T-Mobile leverages its 5G network to provide a reliable backup internet connection for cable and fiber customers. For $30 a month with AutoPay (or $20 if you have an eligible T-Mobile voice line), you get 130 GB of 5G data to use when your main internet service goes down. The carrier cites data from CivicScience showing that nearly 20 percent of US internet users experience outages at least a few times a month.
While 130 GB may not sound like much, T-Mobile says it’s enough to keep a typical household connected for up to seven days per month.
One of the most appealing aspects of the plan is that it includes a 5G gateway for free – no extra rental fees. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go with a simple self-install process that should have you up and running in 15 minutes or less.
Depending on your main router’s capabilities, you may even be able to set up the T-Mobile Wi-Fi as an automatic fallback option.
Of course, Home Internet Backup isn’t a must-have for everyone. If your main internet connection is generally stable and outages are rare, paying an extra $30 a month might be overkill. Cellular hotspots can suffice for most needs until services are restored.
However, if outages are a regular issue and you need a more robust backup solution, Home Internet Backup could be a solid option, especially given the widespread coverage of T-Mobile’s 5G network.
The new plan is available online and in T-Mobile stores. It adds another option to the carrier’s growing suite of home internet services, which already includes standard Home Internet and Home Internet Plus plans used by over 5 million customers.