Prepare for VoIP power failures
QUESTION:
Is it true that you lose VoIP phone service if there’s a power failure? What can you do if it happens and you don’t have a mobile phone to fall back on?
ANSWER:
Since voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) telephones use the Internet to send and receive calls, a power failure does indeed derail your service, including the ability to call 911. The VoIP modem and other network equipment involved all need electricity.
Plain old copper-wire telephone service carries its own power and is therefore more reliable during blackouts. For this reason, some people keep minimal phone service and a cheap noncordless phone for use in emergencies.
If you don’t want to maintain a separate phone line, adding an uninterruptible power-supply unit to your VoIP equipment or home network can give you a few hours of power. These power units provide a battery backup for your system and can be found for $200 or less at stores such as Best Buy.