Home Generator insufficient. Is voice service alone kept operational during a power outage?
JoeH2
Enthusiast - Level 2

I noticed that during our last three 15-hour-plus power outages in Maryland the past six months that powering the ONT, router, Internet, and TV with an AC generator is insufficient to maintain Internet and TV service, but will only keep the voice service operating beyond the 8 hours the battery backup provides.  The MoCA light remains red with the generator connected.  When full power returns, the MoCA light turns green and TV and Internet service return to normal.

The only possible cause I can think of is Verizon not activating their own backup generator at the local office supporting the FiOS service, or perhaps power dependent pole-mounted FiOS boxes are susceptable to power outages.  Is that true?  Is Verizon's residential FiOS TV and Internet service at their office dependent upon commercial power, and not routinely backed up by a generator?   Is voice service alone kept operational during a commercial power outage?

Re: Home Generator insufficient. Is voice service alone kept operational during a power outage?
Jerrold_VZ
Enthusiast - Level 3

During a commercial power outage the battery back up in your home will keep phone line active for emergencies. The battery does not have enough power to run Data/Video.  If you are running a generator and it is supplying power to the BBU (battery back up unit) the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) will receive power to convert light into an electrical signal.