Choosing a backup internet connection for business continuity

If an internet outage would stop your business taking payments, accessing cloud systems or making calls, a backup connection is worth having alongside your main nbn service.

Mobile broadband failover

The most common choice is a 4G/5G mobile broadband backup. A modem with a mobile data SIM (or a router with a built-in mobile backup) switches over automatically if your nbn connection drops, then switches back once it's restored. Because it uses the mobile network, it normally doesn't share any infrastructure with your nbn service.

What to look for

• A different network path - a second nbn connection at the same premises uses the same local infrastructure, so it won't help if the fault is in the street or further upstream.
• Automatic switchover - a router that fails over by itself means no one has to notice the outage and act.
• Enough data - a backup only needs to cover outages, so a modest data allowance is usually enough for essential systems like payments, email and cloud apps.
• Power backup - a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) keeps your modem and router running through short power interruptions.