Does Power outages affect cable phone service?

Question

I want to switch to cable phone (indeed, that Triple play service offered by companies as Optimum or Time Warner). When power fails, you dont´expect to have Cable TV or internet, but phone service is different. You really need it all the time. Some people told me outages affect cable phone service. I´m very concerned because some neighborhoods in my city have had blackouts recently.

Answer 1

I specifically put that question to my cable provider a few months ago.  This was the official answer

Quoted:

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"

Hello Jeff.

Thank you for your email.

The answer to your query is surrounded by a few variables, the main one being your proximity to the ‘node’ that your Internet service feeds off. In the event of a neighbourhood-wide power outage, our “nodes” are equipped by back-up batteries that may be able to supply the required signals for the modem to receive and transmit, though limited in duration. But as with any supposedly fool-proof system, there always exists the possibility of fortuitous failure.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Bob.  Rep. no. 2597.  E-Services Calgary, Telephone: 310-SHAW, Shaw Communications Inc.

"

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So, in short, they do have battery backup for Internet on the local nodes... but for how long it will last is unknown and not guaranteed.

That said, I am currently only using cable Internet to transport my VoIP services.  I pulled the plug on my local telco, months ago.

I have my cable modem, router, VoIP ATA adapter, and cordless phones connected to a battery-backed-up UPS power supply.  But, these are all only temporary backup solutions.

If you feel too nervous about not having phone or 911 service during a power outage... then, don't do it.  Or, get a cell as your emergency backup comms.

Answer 2

As long as your phone is not cordless, you will have phone service.  If your phone is cordless, it requires power to work.

You need to go buy a cheap $5-20 old-fashioned corded phone and keep it where you keep your candles, flashlights, and other emergency supplies for blackouts.

Answer 3

I am aware that FIOS services like Verizon provide a battery backup. However, most cable companies do NOT!! AND, if you are using a cordless phone on VOIP, you will have no service.. So FIOS with a corded phone = service..

Answer 4

first you need to check with your local cable company to find out in the event of a power outage do THEY have power back up on there end.

if they do, you will need to get a UPS - (uninterpretable power supply) which is basically a battery back up.

plug your cable modem/phone adapter's power  and any other devices you want to work in the event of a power outage into the UPS and the UPS into your electrical power in your home. There are many types of UPS supplies, with varying amount of time that they will work in the event of a power outage.

Answer 5

No, cable phone service has a back-up battery that can last for 96hrs.

If the blackout is longer than 96hrs. then yeah it will be affected.