Backup connectivity via 4G has been a feature of a number of third party broadband routers for some years now, but BT Enterprise seems to have gone further and is launching a 4G Assure service that if plugged into the business hub will takeover the connectivity job if the fixed line connection fails.
NOTE: This is not the fully converged service BT Plus that was talked about last week, BT Plus is a bonded solution, whereas 4G Assure is a failover service.
BT Blue Hub with the optional 4G Assure backup dongle
Importantly for business customers with a static IP it seems the dongle will also use that static IP, so if the connection is using a static IP so remote workers can access a service that ability will remain. The hub will continue to monitor the fixed line every few seconds and once a stable connection has been restored the service will switch back to the fixed line service.
We recognise that a reliable, always on broadband connection is essential for businesses. So we’ve packed even more innovation into our award winning Smart Hub to provide SMEs with a failsafe method to stay online. We are very excited about this new service because it combines the strengths of our fixed broadband network and the UK’s most powerful Wi-Fi signal with the most extensive 4G network in the country. This delivers a highly resilient broadband service which will keep SMEs – the backbone of the UK economy – up and running.
Mike Tomlinson, MD, SME for BT
4G Assure comes with unlimited mobile data (if your broadband package is unlimited), so there are no worries about whether the outage is just 30 minutes or any number of days as a result of the classic digger slicing through the fixed line cables scenario.
For those business customers with an Ultrafast, Infinity Premium or Broadband Premium business broadband package from BT the 4G Assure service is free, those on the standard business packages can buy the service for an additional £8 per month.
In the past if a business lost its broadband service someone would be on the phone (or their mobile) to report the fault but the press release suggests that with the 4G connectivity the hub itself will be able to report the outage over the 4G service. Another advantage is for those signing up to a fixed line service can go online via the 4G failover as soon as the new hub arrives, therefore making it a lot easier if a business relocates offices.
No doubt the dongle is configured so that it will only work with the hub to ensure that people do not subscribe to 4G Assure and travel with the dongle using a portable router to benefit from the unlimited data while their fixed line service is actually still up and running.
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We would expect the first comment to be that this is not ground breaking, as their router at home has offered this option for years, but the integration, unlimited usage and static IP support and provider support make this a lot more useful to your average SME who are not broadband geeks.
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Sorry to disappoint with the first comment not being the one you expected 🙂
My concern with this sort of “you’ve got 4G backup” that is being introduced, is for when people live (or have a business in, in this case) in an area where the 4G simply isn’t good enough.
For example, using the EE checker which BT’s network uses, it says this:
3G: No coverage yet
One of the few spots in the UK where we can’t offer 3G, take a look at 2G for calls and SMS.
4G: Good coverage outdoors, variable indoors
SMS and get on social media, or hop on WiFi
(it certainly isn’t good coverage outdoors!)
…What I can see happening is ISPs saying “we’ve given you a 4G backup service”, just it’s not usuable for some people. If the 4G backup keeps searching for a signal, dropping to 3G, then EDGE/2G GPRS, and then no signal and finding 2G again, as my devies (phones and a 4G Data Dongle) all do on EE, then it’s not going to be of any use at all as a backup.
The response from mobile operators when this sort of signal issue has been queried, has always been that the mast is working fine, it’s just a variable/weak signal, and the usual stuff about investing millions in to upgrading their networks.
@fenlandbroadband
Are your devices enabled for 800MHz coverage? This has the furthest reach in rural areas. One of my friends had the 4G external aerial installed by EE, improving the limited signal reception sufficiently to make it useable as a fibre broadband replacement.
Any idea if the 4G dongle has antenna ports?
Unlikely, the best you’ll do is positioning using the fly lead to the dock (USB presume)
The external aerial comes with its own wi-fi router, the mobile phones use wi-fi calling when in the house.