Fall and winter mean cozy sweaters, family gatherings around the dining table…and storms that knock out your power and internet.
The more we depend on the internet, the more we have to lose when our power is taken out by a storm.
At Ziply Fiber, we take pride in delivering a robust, weather-resilient fiber network across our four-state footprint. Unlike traditional cable internet, which relies on electricity in many remote locations to function, our fiber network is served from hardened facilities with diesel generators and does not require electricity anywhere in the field to operate. This key difference ensures connectivity even during extended power outages, offering peace of mind to residents and businesses alike.
The proof is in the pudding: when a recent Northwest storm took out power to Washington state residents for several days, and even a week in some places, our network was up and working the entire time.
Why Ziply Fiber’s network is prepared for natural disasters
Given the area’s history of storms and wildfires and the threats they pose to emergency communications as well as general communication, we built the network with disaster preparedness at top of mind.
To that end, central offices (CO) around the region are supported by huge generators and backup systems, essentially making the network self-reliant. During a recent storm, Ziply Fiber’s network stayed online without interruption.
But my power went out and my internet went out, too. What gives?
Fiber-optic internet is not invincible. It can go down, but that usually happens when the fiber line is itself cut. Think big-time wind – trees and limbs taking out lines from one utility pole to another. Mother Nature is still bigger than us sometimes.
But as far as our network goes, it’s designed to stay up regardless of power disruptions. If your power is out but there is no physical damage to the lines, then having backup power on your end will restore your internet. Many backup power solutions are out there. The highly rated Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is a robust backup system, and the International Resources, Inc. ONT battery backup is affordable and compatible with Ziply Fiber products.
How Ziply Fiber monitors and responds to outages
As severe weather season approaches, Ziply Fiber takes an all-hands-on-deck approach. Generators and fuel are double checked and ready to turn on as the need arises. Teams are staffed around the clock to partner with local utilities to address damage to poles and lines.
How is fiber internet better than cable in the event of an outage?
Cable internet and television providers need power to operate key components the connect customers from the CO to their homes. Since the electrical component is integral to cable/coax connectivity, when the power goes out, the cable goes out, regardless of power backup.
Ziply Fiber also has the advantage of running redundant routes, that is, more than one fiber route for data in case one route experiences an interruption. This is critical for businesses that need to stay online to handle large-scale operations, like financial transactions.
Fiber internet is a weather-proof solution
At Ziply Fiber, we believe that everyone should have access to the best possible connected experience, including those who live in hard-to-reach places outside of metropolitan areas. Keeping the internet online, all the time, with fast, reliable connectivity and refreshingly positive customer experiences is our top priority — especially during severe weather events.
