According to CNN, power outages in the United States in the past ten years have increased by 64% as compared to the previous decade. They occur because of several reasons that are not in our control. Moreover, they can be disruptive and inconvenient, especially when you are trying to get the work done.
Your house has dozens of electronic devices, and many of them are connected to your home network. Thus, this makes the internet an integral part of our daily lives. And it can be quite stressful when you are unable to use the internet in the event of a power outage. Even though power companies strive to keep their customer’s electricity on all the time, some outages can result in homes being in the dark for several hours.
We know that power outages are inevitable, but thanks to technology because now you can immunize yourself from its downside by using certain ways to use the internet.
Main Reasons for Power Outages
The causes of outages vary, and you need to understand the common causes of outages.
Overloaded Power Lines
This is one of the most common reasons for power outages. It happens when the power lines get overloaded with too much electricity. This usually happens when the electricity demand suddenly increases, and the grid becomes vulnerable to overload.
Outdated Infrastructure
The electrical grid consists of lines, transformers, poles, and so on. Therefore, the maintenance of power lines is no less than a challenge. Plus, the aging infrastructure of the electrical grid results in power outages. The old and outdated infrastructure is sometimes unable to handle the electricity demand and can result in a power outage.
Natural Causes
Power outages may also be a result of several natural causes, such as earthquakes, floods, thunderstorms, and so on. And 83% of the major outages in the US are attributed to weather-related events. These types of disasters can cause severe damage to the power grid.
This leads to outages that can last for days or weeks. So, the best way to prepare for this type of event is to have an emergency plan in place and make sure you have the necessary supplies to last until the power is restored.
Tips to Use the Internet during a Power Outage
We know that losing your internet connection during an outage can affect your work. This is the reason we have listed some of the viable solutions via which you can still use the internet.
Use Your Cellphone as a Hotspot
This is an excellent way to use the internet because modern phones offer the option of a hotspot. In addition, most people use 4G LTE or 5G cellular connection, so, during a power outage, you can use your cellular data. Most modern phones can act as a hotspot where you can connect other devices to your phone. So, look for a provider that offers incredible data plans so that during a power outage, you can easily use the internet. Because even during a wide power outage, most of the networks remain operational and can still offer data access. All you have to do is to turn on your cellphone’s hotspot, and it will turn into a wireless hub, so you can connect your devices to it.
Choose Spectrum
We recommend you choose Spectrum internet if you are tired of power outages. It is the leading internet provider in America and offers Spectrum Business Wireless Internet Backup, which activates during power outages. The wireless LTE modem keeps the user connected to the internet, which activates automatically, so there is no downtime, and you can continue with your work. If you are a Spanish speaker looking forward to subscribing to Spectrum, you can contact Spectrum servicio al cliente.
Furthermore, it can be added to your packages for $20 only. And four members can use the internet with this solution. You will even receive a notification when the service is in use and when the primary connection gets restored. If the services excite you, then dial numero de Spectrum to subscribe to its internet services.
Invest in a Battery Backup for Your Router
This is another convenient option for you so you can stay prepared for power outages. In the event of power outages, the battery backup can power your modem and wireless router, so you stay connected to the internet. Since a battery backup can keep the router running for several hours, so you can use the internet seamlessly. CyberPower UPS 1500VA/900W is a famous backup battery, and you can easily purchase it from Amazon.
Use a Mobile Broadband Device
These devices work similarly to tethering, but instead of using your phone, another device is used that offers an internet connection through mobile signals. Therefore, if you do not want to drain your mobile’s battery, you can purchase a good broadband device, so you can use the internet during power outages. s
Use a Generator
If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, then investing in a generator is a great way to make sure you stay connected to the internet. Generators can power your router and other devices, and you can even charge your devices as well. However, keep in mind that you must have enough fuel to keep your generator running smoothly, but this can be quite expensive.
Get a UPS Backup Battery
UPS batteries provide emergency power to your devices for a short time. The idea is to keep your devices running, so you do not lose your data during an outage. Therefore, if you live in an area that is prone to frequent outages, then you can get a UPS.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying the fact that power outages are quite common. However, staying online during a power blackout requires planning. And these tips can help you use the internet when you are not getting a power supply. So, before you get frustrated, ensure you use the tips listed above, so you are well-prepared for the next outage. Because power outages are not in your control, but using the internet surely is.
