FIBE during power failures

[Micstr]

There are, in my neighbourhood, on the boulevardes, pieces of equipment that I believe to be FIBE nodes or terminals.   Some are fitted with electrical meters, via our local utility.   That leads me to think that FIBE service to my home may be interrupted, regardless of power to my modem, in event of a power failure.   I am considering installing a UPS on the modem but there is no point if FIBE to my home is disrupted by power outages in my neighbourhood.

I understand the issue of loss of service if my modem is without power but my question is broader than that, about FIBE outside my home, or within my neighbourhood.

[WelshTerrier · Accepted solution]

Good Day.

These nodes or boxes as you call them are located in non fibre neighbourhoods. They have battery backups installed for a short loss of power to their location. These batteries will keep the system up & running for a very short period of time if there is a power loss to the box.

If you have a power loss, & you have installed a UPS to service your modem, your modem will work as long as the box / node is receiving hydro power or battery backup. The batteries are in place in case of a power failure.

Bell is decommissioning copper. Fibre is the only way to go. These boxes are in place in lieu of fibre to the home in neighbourhoods that meet the distance criteria to convert the signal from copper.

It is very difficult for me speculate on how long these batteries will last during a power outage. This will be determined by the cause of the outage, length of time, time of day, temperature, power being drawn from the batteries, etc.

There is no guarantees that your service will not be interrupted whether you choose to install a UPS backup for your modem or not. You may avoid the short term power interruptions but there are so many more variables besides a power outage that can affect & bring the system down. E.g, weather, equipment failure, copper or fibre damaged, digging etc.

There is no right or wrong answer to your question. It becomes a matter of choice.

Thank you for your question.

Take care.

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

Wired services typically go down during power outages. Your best bet would be to have a cell phone backup as they stay up to ensure 911 services.

Most cell phones can be turned into WiFi access points.

[Micstr]

I understand the old copper wire Bell system.  My neighbourhood has an entire brick enclosure for the battery system you describe.   I can assure you, since I am a Fibe customer myself, that a Bell contractor spent almost a full summer in our neighbourhood installing Fibe to home.   The Fibe installation included, as I maybe didn't describe fully, larger pedestals with electrical service.   I appreciate your reply and the information about copper based service too though.