BT and EE launch ‘unbreakable’ home internet which combines broadband with the 4G mobile network
- The so-called Halo 3+ package includes a device called ‘Hybrid Connect’
- This connects to the BT smart hub and is there as a backup plan
- Connection to the 4G modem is only done when the smart hub detects an outage on the wired broadband
BT has unveiled what it calls an ‘unbreakable’ home internet solution which combines the firm’s Wi-Fi connectivity with the EE mobile network.
The so-called Halo 3+ package features the new ‘Hybrid Connect’ technology which links the EE 4G mobile network to a home’s broadband connection.
The central BT hub connects to a 4G modem and if it detects the wired internet has been knocked out it automatically switches over to the mobile network.
It does this within 90 seconds to get the user back online in minutes, BT claims.
BT Halo 3+ will be available from February 5 and will cost new customers £65.99 per month.
Hybrid Connect is available as an add-on for new and existing BT broadband customers, costing £7 per month.
BT has unveiled what it calls an ‘unbreakable’ home internet solution which combines the firm’s Wi-Fi connectivity with the EE mobile network. The so-called Halo 3+ package includes a device called ‘Hybrid Connect’ (right) which links the EE 4G mobile network to a home’s broadband connection via the Smart Hub (left)
The telecoms giant says the hybrid technology is a UK first and has been designed to offer more reliability during the coronavirus pandemic, with BT recording a 60 per cent increase in downloads from domestic users over the last 12 months.
Christian Thrane, managing director of marketing for BT Consumer, said: ‘With BT Halo 3+, we’re launching an innovative new category of home broadband that’s 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 will provide free unlimited mobile data to families that have no internet access to help children access online learning tools during the latest coronavirus lockdown.
The move follows calls from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and others for technology firms to do more to support students suddenly home-learning due to coronavirus lockdown measures and school closures.
As well as unlimited data, a number of educational websites will be ‘zero rated’ – requiring no mobile data – as part of the new ‘Lockdown Learning’ support scheme.
‘BT Halo 3+ offers a super reliable service with the best connectivity for all corners of the home, giving the whole family peace of mind they can work, home school or keep in touch with friends and family without interruptions.’
EE is owned by BT and this release is the latest in a series of business moves which brings the wo companies closer together.
As part of the new Halo 3+ package, BT will also offer a free upgrade to full-fibre broadband where available, as well as access to its Home Tech Experts for help with any home internet support.
Industry expert Matthew Howett, principal analyst and founder of Assembly Research, said: ‘The past 12 months have reminded us all of the importance of fast, and crucially, reliable broadband as we’ve taken to work, educate and entertain ourselves at home.
‘In its truest sense, convergence is about the coming together of fixed and mobile networks in a seamless way for the consumer.
‘The Hybrid Connect device is a great first step in the delivery of that vision, and works to reinforce the always on promise, at a time when households need uninterrupted connectivity more than ever.’
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