Just saw something new on Rogers' Support page: https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/setup-install/storm-ready-wifi
Comcast has had this for a while: https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/storm-ready
It's basically a battery-powered cellular backup to Rogers Xfinity Internet. In the event of a power outage or when your Xfinity gateway loses Internet connectivity, Storm-Ready WiFi will keep you connected during the outage for as long as the battery lasts; 4 hours or so, if I remember correctly. It can also work together with an XB7 or XB8 gateway to expand Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
Didn't see a press release for this but it was the next product in the Xfinity portfolio that I was expecting Rogers to release.
Here's the official press release: https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/rogers-xfinity-introduces-storm-ready-wifi/
I may have missed it, but I didn't see the price. Based on an article in the Globe, the device is $15/month*.
* may increase by 70% at any time...
@57 wrote:
I may have missed it, but I didn't see the price. Based on an article in the Globe, the device is $15/month*.
Yes, current price is $15/month + tax. At the moment, you can only pre-order. The expected delivery is not until February, 2025.
https://www.rogers.com/internet/internet-connectivity-backup
https://www.rogers.com/internet/internet-connectivity-backup/storm-ready-notification
* may increase by 70% at any time...
Yep. 🤣
For anyone interested, there is now a "Pre-order" button for Storm-Ready WiFi on MyRogers. Xfinity Internet customers can find it under Usage & Services / Internet.
@Smols wrote:
please tell me it uses ethernet backhaul and not wireless only.
Yes, a wired Ethernet backhaul is supported. Here are the Tech Specs that Rogers has published:
Tech Specs
- Automatic switching between Rogers Xfinity Internet and backup connectivity during power outages or network interruptions.
- Rechargeable Battery Backup for up to 4 hours of power.
- During backup connectivity no cellular data overage charges apply and internet speeds support common online activities including messaging, video and music streaming, internet browsing, gaming, and video calling. (Speeds up to 30 Mbps downloads and 7 Mbps uploads for first 500 GB, then up to 10 Mbps downloads and 2 Mbps uploads thereafter. At all times when video streaming, download speeds of up to 3 Mbps per stream.) Rogers Voice home phone service not supported during backup connectivity.
- During everyday use, operation as tri-band WiFi 6 extender for connectivity over WiFi or via 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Set up and status updates through the Rogers Xfinity app.
- To optimize backup cellular connectivity, install by a window and at least 5 feet from the Rogers Xfinity Gateway (up to 30 feet away).
Yes, that bolded text is a bit ambiguous and can be read different ways but another user on reddit has also confirmed that a wired backhaul works: https://www.reddit.com/r/Comcast_Xfinity/comments/15s674a/storm_ready_using_ethernet/
@Smols Try sending a private message to @CommunityHelps . They may have access to more information about when this product will get released and shipped.
Rogers also just released a new Storm-Ready WiFi commercial yesterday so hopefully this is a sign that it will start shipping soon.
@Smols : I assume you're talking about Xfinity Storm, which is discussed earlier in this thread and to which your post was moved.
Storm is to be used temporarily in a power failure and uses LTE. Storm is limited to 30 Mbps down, as discussed in the FAQ below: Therefore anything WiFi 6 or above would be overkill.
https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/storm-ready-wifi-faqs
All pods, and most other "extenders" whether associated with Storm or the regular WiFi, are not even close to 6E speeds. Thanks for pointing that out (again).
One other comment: For the best reception in distant areas of a home, a pod should be placed roughly half way between the Gateway and the furthest device (phone, computer, tablet, etc) you use. This means that a pod will not be receiving speeds remotely close to 6E, therefore cannot "retransmit" those speeds.
It appears you keep your existing Gateway and you are connected to it normally when the power is on, so nothing really changes when power is on. The Storm Ready device acts an "extender" when the power is on and again, unlikely to have access to 6E speeds under WiFi. Storm Ready should be placed 5-30' from the gateway.
https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/easy-setup-guide-storm-ready-wifi
PS. It appears that the Storm Ready device can be Ethernet connected, so in that case, then you may see the difference between WiFi 6 and 6E.
@chersweb wrote: How did you find this box I don’t see anywhere to even look up
There are numerous hyperlinks in recent posts in this thread. Here's but one:
https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/easy-setup-guide-storm-ready-wifi
By searching the Rogers Website for "Storm Ready", I easily found the following:
https://www.rogers.com/internet/internet-connectivity-backup
If you wish to "check availability", remember to logout of MyRogers first and perhaps use an address close to you rather than your own.
