Will my Cogeco phone service work if my power goes out?

In the event of a power outage, your phone service won’t work unless there’s a battery backup or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the phone modem.

Good to know: Even with a backup battery, your phone service might not work if the power outage is also affecting the distribution node that provides your signal.

Battery backups by model and available options

• Newer models and most fibre modems, such as our F@st and Calix 803 or Calix 812 models, do not have a battery backup option.
  • For these models, you can buy a UPS from a third party. It’s your responsibility to replace the battery when necessary.
  • If your modem connects to other networking equipment, such as a phone switch, that device would also need to be connected to a UPS for phone service to work during a power outage.
• Older models of phone modems, such as the ARRIS and RCA models, include a built-in battery or had one you could purchase from us. If your battery has stopped working, you can contact us for a replacement (charges would apply to replace a battery that was purchased).

Battery capacity and usage

• A modem battery allows your phone service to work during a power outage, including for making calls to 911 and for connected alarm systems.
• A fully charged modem battery can last between 4 and 8 hours, depending on usage.
• Cordless phones will not work during a power outage unless the base is connected to a UPS.