[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] cell phones

[Robert Primak]

 I keep my Comcast modem (which supplies my phone) plugged into a UPS. I get at least three hours outage covered that way. My cell phone would give me several more hours if not used continuously or for data. 
No old land line wiring active here, though the building dates back to 1967. The Verizon units here use a gel-type lead-acid battery, and Verizon never removes the batteries, even for apartments which don't use FiOS. So who knows how much life is left in those ancient batteries? 
Our power seldom goes out for more than a few minutes, as our supply lines are mostly underground. Probably not much help in a real Nor'easter. 
-- Bob Primak

    On Friday, October 16, 2020, 03:01:35 PM EDT, Paul Garmon <paul.garmon at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 
On Fri, Oct 16, 2020 at 2:03 PM Stern, Marc <MSTERN at bentley.edu> wrote:


During the recent power outage, we attempted to use the landline with an older push-button phone.  The landline was stone cold dead, as were the portable phones with attached bases.  I’m not sure why the landline didn’t function.   We always have charging bricks fully charged for these exigencies.   Any ideas as to why the landline went out as well as the portables?


 Hi,
If your "landline" is not provided via wiring directly from the (old) central office, then it is no longer required to be powered in event of emergencies.  The cable companies and telcos fought with the FCC about this a while ago and won. 
>From the FCC's order back in 2015:

we require all providers of facilities-based, fixed, voice residential servicethat is not line-powered to notify subscribers, at the point of sale and annually thereafter until September1, 2025, of  the availability of backup power purchasing options, 


FIOS, for instance, offers, but does not require (or maybe even encourage) battery backup, though they are legally obligated to offer it (per above).  I had FIOS, and the problem is keeping their outside ONT unit powered.  They have some bizarre schemes I looked at using 12 D batteries (or something like that), whereas they had previously offered a small UPS with battery backup as part of their set up, but apparently no more. My solution was to just plug the ONT power supply (located in my basement) into a UPS.  Anyway, I have since switched to RCN and as long as I keep my phone and modems powered during an outage, it likely will allow both internet and phone use.  I'll let you know...

Paul
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