How Arvig is Prepared for Internet and Power Outages. You Can Be Prepared, Too!

Arvig’s buildings and critical network infrastructure are all protected by batteries with extensive runtime and generator backups to provide power during extended power outages. Arvig’s engineers and technicians actively monitor power and temperature, and other environmental factors.

Some technologies, such as Fiber to the Home, are entirely passive outside Arvig’s Central Office, but rolling brownouts or similar would be expected to have minimal impact.

Arvig’s DOCSIS equipment (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, which makes high-bandwidth service over cable possible) have greater reliance on power at cabinets or other network elements in closer proximity to customers. It is more difficult to provide long battery runtimes at these locations, especially highly distributed DOCSIS nodes. However, especially in the case of DOCSIS, customers are often located within close proximity to the node, so if power is lost to the node, many of the customers often also do not have power. This won’t be true for 100% of the customers, or in all circumstances, but it will minimize the impact.

Additionally, Arvig has multiple generators available on trailers for use where needed in an emergency.

Customers can monitor outages in their area using the map here.

Tips on how you can be prepared year-round
It’s a good habit to have your mobile devices charged and ready in advance of inclement weather. But that’s not always top of mind when your most important concern is the safety of your family and home. That said, include this list with your storm preparedness plan:

• Use alternate power sources such as portable chargers, battery banks or solar chargers. These offer several hours of battery life so you can use your devices in an outage.
• Keep extra batteries on hand.
• Use surge protectors for all plug-in electronics.
• Consider an Uninterruptible Power Supply for backup power. UPS devices provide both emergency power and surge protection, and many are equipped for a handful of devices.
• Another power option is a portable generator. Consider cost, size and how much power you need during an emergency—it will likely be based on how many kilowatts (kW) you use per day and what you think is necessary.