BT promises UK’s first ‘unbreakable’ Wi-Fi connection
3 min readBT is launching a new device it claims will provide the UK’s first “unbreakable” Wi-FI connection, spelling an end to waiting hours or days for a home to be reconnected after moving or following a power outage.
The company’s always-on Hybrid Connect device automatically switches connected devices including smartphones, laptops and smart TVs from broadband to an EE mobile internet connection within 90 seconds.
Its “unbreakable” connection is designed to give workers and families peace of mind they won’t be interrupted during extreme weather conditions, if their broadband cabinet is vandalised or if the connection drops for any other reason.
Users do not need to be current EE customers to be able to use its mobile network through the package.
BT claimed it prevents the need to reset all connected devices following an outage and can support up to around 250 gadgets at once, producing a reliable connection that does not dip in quality even when powering greater numbers of electronics.
Unbreakable connection
Christian Thrane, managing director of marketing for BT’s consumer division, said the launch was “truly a first of its kind in the UK”.
“We are combining the best fibre home broadband and Wi-Fi technology, backed up with our award-winning EE mobile network to become the only UK provider that offers customers an unbreakable Wi-Fi connection in the home.”
BT’s broadband has experienced a 60 per cent increase in download traffic in the past 12 months during the coronavirus pandemic, he said, highlighting the need for reliable internet connectivity to complete home schooling and work.
The device will cost £65.99 per month as part of the BT Halo 3+ package when it goes on sale on 5 February, with a guarantee that every room in a home will receive a reliable Wi-Fi signal or £100 back.
Existing BT customers can purchase the Hybrid Connect device on top of their existing plan for £7 per month.
Reliant upon strong connections
The UK’s internet use climbed to an all-time high last year as a result of coronavirus lockdown restrictions preventing the nation from spending time outdoors, research from Ofcom published in June found.
Citizens Advice said last week that one in six households in the UK are struggling to pay for broadband during the current lockdown, with parents, people with disabilities, people from minority ethnic groups, those who are shielding and young people.
Towards the end of last year an estimated 2.3 million people had fallen behind on their broadband bill, according to the charity.
Alistair Cromwell, acting chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “The pandemic has cemented the fact that broadband is an essential utility. It is not a luxury for those who can afford it.
“Without broadband we struggle to teach our children, order food and medicines, work or search for a job.
“While the Government has provided free laptops and mobile data to help children study at home, these are ultimately just a sticking plaster. To tackle the digital divide, it must take urgent action to ensure everyone can afford their broadband, no matter which provider they are with.”