Originally Posted On: https://www.earthlink.net/blog/finding-the-best-backup-internet-for-your-home/

Finding the Best Backup Internet for Your Home

Ever wish you had a second path to getting online? Whether it’s your roommates sitting in a work conference at the same time you’re trying to lead a meeting, your kids playing video games while you’re trying to stream a movie, or just a loss of internet while the provider repairs the lines, we’ve all been there.

And if you haven’t planned out how to stay online, like downloading files ahead of time, you can quickly become frustrated waiting for videos to buffer and sites to load.

But fear not — with an internet backup device, you can basically have a generator for your wired internet. That’s right, we said it: a generator model for your internet connection.

Types of Backup Internet Solutions

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backup internet connection for your home. You may want to consider your backup internet’s price, reliability, or ease of access. Below we cover a few of your options to find the best backup internet for your home.

Wireless Home Internet

What It Is:

Wireless Home Internet, like EarthLink Wireless Home Internet, uses nearby cell towers to deliver high-speed internet. It’s a great option for people living in rural areas or those who need a reliable backup for their primary connection.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Speeds up to 100 Mbps
• Supports dozens of devices

Cons:

• Monthly data limits

Best For:

Households needing a backup for fiber or cable internet.

Mobile Hotspot or Phone Tethering

What It Is:

A mobile hotspot uses your smartphone’s data connection to provide a portable internet solution by creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for your devices.

Pros:

• Quick and portable backup
• No additional equipment needed
• Works anywhere with a strong cell signal

Cons:

• Limited data plans
• Risk of slower speeds or extra charges
• Not suitable for long-term or multiple users

Best For:

Short-term or emergency-only use when other options aren’t available.

Fixed Wireless

What It Is:

Fixed wireless is a dedicated service that uses a local tower to deliver high-speed internet directly to your home through a mounted receiver.

Pros:

• Fast speeds and low latency
• Reliable, even in remote areas
• Better performance than satellite

Cons:

• Requires professional installation
• Can be expensive as a backup
• Not widely available in all locations

Ideal For:

Users who prioritize performance and use this as a primary or shared connection.

Satellite Internet

What It Is:

Satellite internet beams internet signals to your home using satellites in orbit. It’s widely available, making it a popular choice for rural areas without fiber or cable access.

Pros:

• Available almost everywhere
• Independent of local infrastructure

Cons:

• High latency (~500–600 ms), making it less ideal for video calls or gaming
• Affected by weather conditions
• Slower performance than other options

Works Best For:

Rural residents or locations with no other reliable options.

Why Do I Need a Backup Internet Connection?

Did you know that 93% of U.S. adults say a major internet interruption would disrupt daily life, according to a Pew Research survey? For remote professionals, smart homes, or busy households, having a reliable backup internet connection can be a game-changer.

Why pay for a second internet plan when you already have one? Good question! Think of it like this: just as you’d use an ethernet cable when WiFi gets spotty, a backup internet connection acts as a safety net. It’s especially useful in larger, data-heavy households where multiple activities—like streaming, file sharing, or video conferencing—can slow things down. A backup connection reduces network strain, ensuring smoother performance during high-traffic times.

Backup internet is also invaluable for staying connected during important calls or interviews when interruptions aren’t an option. While most wireless backup plans come with limited data, they’re perfect as a true backup, especially if you already have fiber internet at home.

Bonus tip: Backup internet can be portable! Whether you’re moving or managing a second home, you can use it to stay connected without waiting for installation.

Backup Internet for Work-From-Home

If you work from home, having a reliable backup internet connection is crucial to staying productive. Imagine this scenario: your primary cable internet works well most of the time, but during peak hours—like the after-work rush—it slows down as everyone in your area starts streaming their favorite shows. A secondary connection can help you avoid frustrating interruptions.

Key Considerations for Backup Internet

• Path Diversity
  Avoid relying on two similar connections from the same provider. For example, if you have cable internet, adding another cable service won’t prevent slowdowns during peak times. Instead, choose a different type of connection or provider. Pairing fiber with fixed wireless or cable with satellite could ensure smoother performance.
• Reliability
  Consider how well your backup service will meet your work needs. If your job involves large file uploads, video conferencing, or streaming, high-latency options like satellite internet might not be the best fit. Instead, look at fixed wireless or wireless home internet for more consistent performance.

With options like wireless home internet, fixed wireless, and satellite services, it’s easier than ever to stay online and keep business moving—even when your primary connection falters. Choosing the right solution can make all the difference in maintaining seamless productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cellular backup internet?

Cellular backup internet is an internet service that provides internet access to your home through 4G LTE/5G cellular service.

Can you use cellular failover internet during a power outage?

Because cellular failover internet relies on cell towers, if your phone has a signal, your device does, too. So just because your wired internet plan is down, your wireless home internet plan can still work.

One caveat? It does need electricity to work. In other words, you’d need a generator or an uninterruptible power supply for your internet network to work if all the power was out.

Why do I need a home backup internet connection?

A backup internet connection is helpful for a variety of reasons. It can provide a second internet connection to use if your home uses a lot of data streaming or transferring large amounts of data. It can also act as a failover solution if your primary fiber or cable service goes out.

Conclusion

Just like you grab some bottled water when you’re expecting a storm or keep a frozen pizza on hand for nights when you just don’t want to cook, you deserve a back-up plan for your internet connection, too. EarthLink Wireless Home Internet offers a variety of plans, so there’s something to fit your needs. Plus, it’s easy to install and doesn’t require expensive equipment fees. Get started by calling us today at 866-618-0264.