Backup Power for Home Phone Services During Power Outages
For many years, your home phone would allow you to stay connected to emergency voice services during a power outage. However, many of today’s advanced phone services require backup battery power at or within your premises to continue functioning during an outage. To avoid a disruption of voice service during an outage, and to maintain the ability to connect to 9-1-1 emergency services, you will need to purchase a backup battery. HTC offers a battery backup solution as described in the Purchase and Replacement Options section below.
What Your Battery Can – and Can’t – Do for You
The backup batteries for telephone modems, or similar functioning customer premise equipment, allow you to continue to use your home voice services during a power outage. Without a backup battery or alternate backup source such as a generator, you will not be able to make any calls, including emergency calls to 9-1-1. The only way to maintain the ability to use your phone is by utilizing some form of backup power. The backup battery solution does not provide power to any HTC services other than voice. Home security systems, medical monitoring devices and other equipment will not run on a phone backup battery. It is recommended that you have a traditional wired phone in the event of a power outage since a cordless phone will not operate.
Purchase and Replacement Options
If you want to safeguard your ability to contact 9-1-1 emergency services during a power outage, a backup battery will be an essential option for you. Currently, HTC offers a battery backup solution available for purchase at $99.95. This solution is designed to provide 24-hour backup service. This option is available for purchase at time of installation and installed at no additional charge. If not purchased at the time of installation, you can contact HTC at 843-365-2154 for future availability and installation, which may require additional fees.
Expected Backup Power
Backup batteries are expected to last at least 24 hours on standby power. It is advised that you use your phone service sparingly to preserve battery life during a power outage.
Instructions for Proper Care and Use of Your Battery
If you do not store your battery correctly, it may shorten its useful life. Environmental factors such as temperature can shorten your battery’s lifespan. HTC recommends you store your battery above -4 degrees Fahrenheit and below 113 degrees Fahrenheit. These batteries will not last forever and should be replaced every three to five years. Batteries should be tested twice a year by unplugging the modem and checking for a dial tone on your phone. If the battery is no longer keeping a charge, you can purchase a replacement from HTC.
Battery Warranty
If you selected to purchase battery backup, your battery may include a manufacturer’s warranty in the event of defect. Cable Modem batteries come with a one-year warranty and claims will be handled by HTC. Other batteries have a manufacturer warranty. Members will receive warranty information for these batteries at time of installation and should contact the manufacturer directly.
Revised April 2025
