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Power outages, often occurring during storms, can disrupt internet connectivity for hours. To address this issue, Comcast has unveiled a router designed to provide backup Wi-Fi during such outages. The device utilizes a cellular connection to maintain internet connectivity and is programmed to switch from the broadband network as soon as power is lost.

Comcast’s “Storm-Ready WiFi” router functions as an internet extender, accessing Xfinity’s 10G network to ensure continuous service during outages. While similar products exist, Comcast claims to be the first internet provider to develop its own backup Wi-Fi router capable of sustaining an uninterrupted internet connection during storms. The router can maintain download speeds of up to 30 Mbps and upload speeds of 7 Mbps. It is also Wi-Fi 6 compatible and features a rechargeable backup battery with a duration of four hours.

However, it should be noted that owning a backup router alone does not fully solve the problem during power outages. Without electricity, devices used to access the internet will eventually run out of charge. In cases of prolonged outages lasting several hours or even days, the benefits of such a router may be limited beyond the initial period.

Considering the increasing number of people working from home and the projected rise in extreme weather conditions due to climate change, having a backup plan for internet access is becoming crucial. A report from Climate Central revealed that the majority of outages in the last two decades were caused by extreme weather events, including high winds, rain, thunderstorms, snow, and ice. Pennsylvania ranked fifth in the country for outages during this period.

Comcast is offering the Storm-Ready WiFi router to Xfinity customers for per month over a span of 36 months. As reliance on consistent internet connectivity grows, products like these aim to provide a more reliable internet experience, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

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