*Atlantic regions only
If your Bell services use our fibre optic network, your phone service, including 9-1-1 emergency services, will not work during a power outage without a battery backup.
To keep your line active during an outage, connect your equipment to a battery backup, also known as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). As long as your modem is plugged into the backup unit, it stays powered during an electrical failure so you remain connected.
Purchasing and installing a battery backup
You can buy a battery backup online or at electronics retailers.
Choosing a battery backup
We suggest a minimum rating of 300 VA for each connected unit. Connect only critical equipment, such as your Bell modem and external analog telephone adapters (ATAs), so the battery lasts as long as possible when the power goes out.
Installing a battery backup
Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. We recommend connecting only your Bell modem and external ATAs (if applicable) to the battery.
Set up the unit using the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure your modem and adapters are plugged directly into the battery-powered outlets.
Need technical support for your backup unit? Reach out directly to the manufacturer or check their included product documentation.
Using a battery backup
Keeping your modem powered during a power outage
When your modem is connected to a battery backup, the unit automatically supplies power during an electrical failure, keeping your internet and phone lines running seamlessly until the battery is depleted.
If you use cordless phones, the handsets will run on their internal batteries. To keep the handsets charged and functional throughout a prolonged outage, plug the phone's main base station into the battery backup as well.
Expected runtime during an outage
If you connect only your Bell modem, a standard unit generally provides about two to eight hours of power, depending on its capacity (VA rating).
Actual backup time varies based on battery age and total power draw. To maximize runtime during an emergency, keep non-essential devices unplugged from the battery-powered outlets, and consult the manufacturer’s documentation for exact model specifications.