AT&T’s new fiber optic modem can connect to 5G if you don’t have wired Internet

AT&T has a new Internet gateway that combines fiber Internet access with a 5G-based wireless broadband option. On Wednesday, the carrier is unveiling a new device that not only functions as a modem and router for fiber, but will also be capable of connecting to the carrier’s network. 5G network if the wired network fails.

The new product will be available starting Wednesday to “select new AT&T Business Fiber customers who order 1 Gbps or faster speeds” in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. The option will be available nationwide starting “early next year.”

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Business users who need this capability need a new modem/router (dubbed the “CGW452”). The new gateway has an “automatic failover and recovery” feature that detects if the fiber network fails and then automatically switches the Internet connection to 5G. When the fiber network comes back online, the device will switch back to using that connection.

The carrier says the transition should “seamlessly” switch between the two connection options, so in theory you might not even realize you’ve been upgraded from fiber to 5G. AT&T says you can expect 5G speeds of 25 Mbps to 300 Mbps on the wireless network, although the service won’t be limited by any data caps and the company says it won’t charge any overage fees.

In addition to being a modem, the new device will also function as Wi-Fi 6E router.

An AT&T spokesperson told CNET that the company is working on a consumer version of the product that will be available “in the coming months” to those with both fiber and wireless services.

“Our goal is to provide reliable connectivity with a simple, enjoyable customer experience every day,” a company spokesperson told CNET. “With Internet Backup, we can help AT&T Fiber customers with an AT&T Postpaid Unlimited Wireless plan stay online in the event of a fiber failure by quickly switching their home connection to our wireless network until fiber service is restored.”

AT&T is currently testing this feature for “select households in Dallas” and is not charging extra for this functionality.

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