Rogers releases Storm Ready WiFi

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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.

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Here's the official press release: https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/rogers-xfinity-introduces-storm-ready-wifi/

[57]

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...

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@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*.

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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...

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Yep.  🤣

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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]

please tell me it uses ethernet backhaul and not wireless only.

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@Smols wrote:

please tell me it uses ethernet backhaul and not wireless only.

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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/