Frontier’s Unbreakable Wi-Fi: Ensuring Continuous Connectivity Even During Outages

What you need to know

In an era where reliable internet connectivity is essential for everything from remote work to entertainment and healthcare, outages can be disruptive and frustrating. Frontier Communications, a leading internet service provider, is addressing this issue with the launch of Unbreakable Wi-Fi. This service is designed to maintain your internet connection by automatically switching to a cellular-based backup during an outage. For Frontier Fiber Internet customers, it offers peace of mind, ensuring that your connection remains active when you need it most.

This article dives into how Unbreakable Wi-Fi works, its key features, installation process, and why it could be a crucial addition to your home network setup.

What is Unbreakable Wi-Fi?

Unbreakable Wi-Fi, launched on October 23, 2024, is Frontier's innovative solution for uninterrupted connectivity. It provides backup internet service using a 4G LTE cellular network when your primary fiber connection goes down. Customers with Frontier Fiber Internet can subscribe to this service and receive backup support when outages occur, ensuring minimal disruption to your online activities.

Here’s a breakdown of what Unbreakable Wi-Fi offers:

• Automatic Backup: Seamlessly transitions to a 4G LTE backup network during an outage.
• Fast, Reliable Speeds: Delivers speeds of up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, adequate for most essential internet activities.
• 130 GB Data Cap: Includes 130 GB of backup data per month, resetting with your billing cycle.

With this service, Frontier ensures that even if there is an issue with your primary network, you will continue to have access to the internet, allowing you to carry on with your day-to-day tasks with minimal interruption.

Key Features of Frontier’s Unbreakable Wi-Fi

Let’s explore the core features that make Unbreakable Wi-Fi a must-have for customers seeking uninterrupted internet access:

1. Automatic Connectivity During Outages

The standout feature of Unbreakable Wi-Fi is its ability to automatically activate during network outages. If your fiber connection goes offline, the system seamlessly switches to a 4G LTE backup, ensuring that your internet remains accessible. This transition is automatic, with no action required on your part, making it a hassle-free solution for ensuring internet continuity.

2. 130 GB Backup Data Per Month

Each customer receives 130 GB of data per billing cycle for backup use. This should cover typical household needs like browsing, video calls, and light streaming during an outage. However, it’s important to note that once the 130 GB data limit is reached, Unbreakable Wi-Fi becomes unavailable until the next billing cycle begins. Data does not roll over to the following month, so it’s essential to monitor your usage during prolonged outages.

3. No Service Restrictions on Web Access

Frontier’s Unbreakable Wi-Fi does not impose restrictions on the types of websites or services you can access. You’ll be able to browse, stream, and communicate online just as you would with your primary connection. However, it does not support VoIP services, meaning that phone calls using internet-based services may not work during an outage.

4. Compatible with Frontier’s Eero Routers

To use Unbreakable Wi-Fi, you need to have a Frontier-provided Eero router, which integrates seamlessly with the service. The Eero app manages the system, and once the backup network activates, the device will appear as "My Wi-Fi Backup" in the app. This integration makes it easy to monitor your backup connection and data usage.

5. Affordably Priced

At launch, the service is available for an additional $25 per month, making it an affordable option for ensuring uninterrupted internet access. Considering the potential disruption that outages can cause, the price point provides a valuable safety net for customers.

What You Need to Get Started

If you're interested in Frontier’s Unbreakable Wi-Fi, here’s what you’ll need:

• Frontier Fiber Internet Subscription: The service is available only to customers subscribed to any Frontier Fiber Internet plan.
• Eero Router: You must use a Frontier-provided Eero device to enable and manage Unbreakable Wi-Fi.
• Monthly Service Charge: The service costs an additional $25 per month, and only one Unbreakable Wi-Fi device can be activated per account.

Unbreakable Wi-Fi is compatible with all Frontier Fiber Internet speed tiers, ensuring that it can cater to a variety of users, whether you’re on the most basic or premium fiber plans.

Battery Backup: Power Outages and Additional Coverage

While Unbreakable Wi-Fi ensures that your internet connection stays intact during service outages, it won’t function during a power outage unless you have a Battery Backup Unit (BBU). This optional unit ensures that your Unbreakable Wi-Fi device remains powered, allowing it to maintain a connection even if your home loses electricity.

Here’s what you need to know about the BBU:

• Battery Life: Each battery unit provides about four hours of backup power.
• Purchase Options: Customers can purchase up to four BBU units for extended coverage, priced at $130 per unit.
• Direct Purchase: Battery backup units are not available through Frontier’s order systems. Instead, customers will receive an email with instructions on purchasing the unit directly from International Resources.

For those living in areas prone to power outages, the BBU offers an additional layer of security, ensuring that your internet connection remains functional when both the network and power go down.

Installation and Setup

Getting started with Unbreakable Wi-Fi is straightforward. Frontier offers two installation options, depending on your current service status:

1. Expert Installation: For new Frontier Fiber Internet customers, Unbreakable Wi-Fi can be installed alongside your primary internet service by a Frontier technician.
2. Self-Installation: If you’re an existing customer or qualify for self-install, Frontier provides a self-install kit that includes:some text
   • Unbreakable Wi-Fi device
   • Ethernet cable
   • Power supply
   • Quick start guide with QR code for easy setup

The device is managed via the Eero app, allowing you to monitor and control your backup network with ease. Self-installation is a simple process that most customers can complete without additional assistance.

Important Considerations and Limitations

While Unbreakable Wi-Fi offers significant benefits, there are a few limitations to consider:

• 130 GB Monthly Data Cap: Heavy internet users may find the 130 GB backup data limit restrictive, especially during extended outages.
• No VoIP Support: The service does not support Voice over IP, so phone calls made over the internet won’t work when using Unbreakable Wi-Fi.
• Power Outage Dependency: Without a battery backup, Unbreakable Wi-Fi won’t function during power outages. The optional BBU is essential for those wanting to ensure continuous service even when the power is out.

Additionally, there is a $250 fee for any unreturned Unbreakable Wi-Fi devices after service cancellation.

The Bottom Line

Frontier’s Unbreakable Wi-Fi is a smart and affordable solution for anyone seeking uninterrupted internet access, even during outages. With automatic failover to a 4G LTE network, a 130 GB data cap, and integration with the Eero app, this service offers a seamless backup experience that keeps you online when it matters most. For $25 per month, the assurance of continuous connectivity is a worthwhile investment for today’s connected households.

If you’re already a Frontier Fiber Internet customer or considering making the switch, Unbreakable Wi-Fi is a service worth exploring to ensure you stay connected, no matter the circumstances.