---
title: "Backup and failover"
description: "Keep your business online when fixed internet goes down. Lightning IP 4G Backup fails over automatically, with excess data waived during genuine outages."
url: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/solutions/outcomes/backup-and-failover"
canonical: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/solutions/outcomes/backup-and-failover"
---

# Backup and failover

Keep your business online when fixed internet goes down. Lightning IP 4G Backup fails over automatically, with excess data waived during genuine outages.

## Stay online when your main connection isn't

Our 4G Backup Service keeps your site connected on the Optus mobile network while your fixed internet service is down.

- 10 GB soft limit each billing period
- Excess waived for genuine outages

- [Talk to our team](https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/contact)
- [Call 1300 994 884](tel:1300994884)

## How 4G Backup works

The 4G Backup Service is a mobile data connection that carries your traffic while your fixed internet service is down. It's a failover service rather than a second internet plan, and it's supplied alongside an active Lightning IP internet service at the same premises.

It runs on the Optus mobile network — a different network from our Telstra-based mobile plans, which can behave differently at the same address. Each billing period includes a 10 GB soft limit: going over doesn't cut you off, and if you went over because your internet was genuinely down, we waive the excess.

Read the full [4G Backup Service terms](/terms-and-policies/sfoa-section-b-4g-backup).

## Build a more resilient site

- **[Business Internet](https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/services/internet/business)** — Pair 4G Backup with Business Priority nbn™ and an enhanced SLA for faster fault fixes.
- **[Hosted Voice](https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/services/voice/hosted-voice)** — Softphones and mobile apps keep taking calls from any internet connection, even if the office loses power.
- **[Enterprise Fibre](https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/services/internet/enterprise)** — A dedicated fibre connection with service levels that follow the wholesale product.
- **[4G and 5G Devices](https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/services/mobile/hardware#mobile-broadband)** — Routers and outdoor modems suited to failover and hard-to-reach sites.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I add a backup connection?

Yes. Our 4G Backup Service keeps your site online on the Optus mobile network while your fixed internet service is down. It's sold alongside a Lightning IP internet service at the same premises, includes a 10 GB soft limit each billing period, and we waive excess usage caused by a genuine outage.

Failover isn't instant or seamless - existing connections drop while it switches over - so talk to our team about whether it suits your site.

### Can I use mobile broadband as a backup for my business internet?

Mobile plans can't be used as a backup internet connection. For that we have a dedicated [4G Backup Service](/solutions/outcomes/backup-and-failover) that keeps your site online while your fixed internet service is down.

### Can I use the phones if the power goes off?

Desk phones need power to operate, so a local outage will affect them unless they're on a UPS or PoE backup supply. Softphones and mobile apps keep working on any device with an internet connection, so your team can keep taking calls from a laptop or mobile even if the office loses power.

## Let's find the right fit for you

Tell us how you work and what you need, and our local team will recommend the right mix of internet, phone and mobile — not just the most expensive option.