In short
BT Hybrid Backup is 4G backup for BT Business Broadband. A Hybrid Connect device works with your Smart Hub and switches the connection to 4G automatically if the fixed line fails. BT says static IP and IP voice keep working. It is included with Enhanced and Pro, is an add-on for Essential, and comes with BT's Always Connected Guarantee.
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What is BT Hybrid Backup?
Hybrid Backup is the name of BT's 4G backup service; Hybrid Connect is the device that delivers it. BT supplies the Hybrid Connect device, which works alongside your BT Business Smart Hub. While your fixed line is working you use it as normal. If the line goes down, the hub switches your broadband to the 4G mobile network automatically, and switches back when the line is restored.
For most businesses the point is not speed, it is continuity. A shop that cannot take card payments, a practice that cannot reach its booking system, or an office whose cloud phone system goes silent feels a line fault straight away. Hybrid Backup is BT's answer to that risk on its business broadband plans.
Hybrid Backup is one of the main things that separates Enhanced from Essential. On Essential you can add it; on Enhanced and Pro it is included.
What Hybrid Backup includes
According to BT's plan material:
- Automatic switchover: the hub moves to 4G by itself when the fixed line fails, with nothing for staff to plug in.
- Static IP and IP voice keep working: BT says your static IP address and IP voice services continue on the backup connection, which matters for remote access, VPNs and cloud phone systems.
- Unlimited 4G data on backup: BT describes the backup data as unlimited.
- Connected before the line is ready: BT says Hybrid Backup can get you online on 4G while you wait for your broadband to be installed, which helps when you move in or switch.
- BT's Always Connected Guarantee: if the backup fails to activate within 30 minutes of you reporting a fixed-line fault to BT, leaving you without broadband, BT offers compensation under its terms.
The Always Connected Guarantee has conditions. BT says the fault must be reported in the correct manner, compensation is limited to one claim during the contract term, and it is paid once the fixed-line fault is resolved. We do not quote compensation amounts: BT's terms at the time of your order apply.
Which plans include Hybrid Backup?
| Plan | Hybrid Backup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Add-on | Available on copper, Standard Fibre and Full Fibre |
| Enhanced | Included | Also includes one static IP |
| Pro | Included | Pro runs on Standard Fibre and Full Fibre only |
| Ultra | Not used | Ultra has its own 4G backup built into the Cisco Meraki equipment |
Because Hybrid Backup is included in Enhanced and Pro, the usual question on Essential is whether to add it or step up a plan. Enhanced also brings a static IP and Enhanced IT Support, so if you need backup and a fixed IP address, Enhanced is often the simpler buy. We set out both in the quote so you can compare.
Not sure which plan fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right plan for your organisation, with a quote.
How Hybrid Backup works day to day
Once the Hybrid Connect device is connected and has a usable 4G signal, there is very little to do:
- Normal running. Traffic goes over your fixed line (copper, Standard Fibre or Full Fibre). The 4G connection waits in reserve.
- The line fails. A cable is cut, a cabinet loses power or there is a fault at the exchange. The hub detects that the fixed line is down.
- Automatic switch to 4G. The hub routes your broadband over the 4G network. Devices stay on the same Wi-Fi and wired network.
- Report the fault to BT. Backup keeps you working; it does not fix the line. Report the fault so BT's fault-fix target under Standard Care or Prompt Care starts, and so the Always Connected Guarantee can apply.
- The line comes back. The hub returns to the fixed line.
Expect 4G speeds to depend on the local mobile signal, the building and how busy the network is. Backup is there to keep the essentials running: payments, email, cloud apps and calls. Large uploads and backups can wait until the line returns.
Getting a good 4G signal
Signal is the thing that makes or breaks 4G backup. BT's placement advice for its 4G Assure backup dongle is a good rule of thumb for any 4G backup device:
- Put the device near a window, with as few walls as possible between it and the outside
- Keep it in the open, not in a cupboard or comms cabinet and not with things stacked on top
- Use the cable BT supplies rather than a longer one, which can cause power problems
- Check the signal strength after installation and move the device if it is weak
Basements, metal-clad units and thick stone walls can all weaken 4G indoors. If your comms cupboard is in the worst spot for signal, plan where the hub will go before installation day. We can help you think this through when we quote.
Is BT Hybrid Backup the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
What Hybrid Backup does not cover
It is worth being clear about the limits:
- Power cuts. Hybrid Backup covers a fault on the fixed line. The hub and the Hybrid Connect device run on mains power, so a power cut at your premises takes both down unless you have your own backup power. Digital phone lines also stop working in a power cut; see the PSTN switch-off.
- Your own router. BT says that if you use your own router, or put a hub into modem-only mode, you cannot use Hybrid Backup. See using your own router.
- Hybrid Speed Boost. This is a different use of the same device: on copper broadband only, BT can combine the fixed line and 4G for extra speed. BT describes the uplift as an average that varies with indoor 4G coverage and is not guaranteed. It is not offered on fibre.
- A replacement for a fixed line. If you want mobile broadband as your main connection, see 5G business broadband on our business mobile site.
You may also come across 4G Assure, BT's older 4G backup dongle, which works with BT's Business Hub 5 and Smart Hub. Hybrid Backup with the Hybrid Connect device is how BT now delivers backup on its business broadband plans.
Hybrid Backup for startups and moves
Because BT says Hybrid Backup can connect you before the fixed line is installed, it helps in a few situations:
- New premises: trade from day one while the line is being installed. See business broadband for startups.
- Moving premises: stay online during a move rather than waiting for the new line. See moving premises.
- Switching to BT: keep working if there is a gap on switch day. See switching to BT.
Delivery of the Hybrid Connect device depends on the order and BT's checks, so the date is confirmed when the order is placed. If you need to be online by a particular day, tell us when you ask for a quote.
Hybrid Backup and BT Cloud Voice
If your phones run over the internet, backup is part of your phone system as well as your broadband. BT says IP voice services keep working on Hybrid Backup, so calls on BT Cloud Voice or a BT digital phone line (Cloud Voice Express) can carry on during a line fault, subject to the 4G signal. For the connection requirements of BT Cloud Voice, see BT Cloud Voice connectivity, and for broadband advice for calls generally, see broadband for VoIP.
Adding Hybrid Backup through Forever Communications
We check your address, recommend whether Hybrid Backup should be an add-on to Essential or part of Enhanced or Pro, and order it at the same time as your broadband so the device arrives with the right kit. If you are already a BT Business customer, see upgrading your broadband.
Pricing depends on the plan and contract, so ask us for a quote. Contact us about adding 4G backup.
Why buy BT Business Broadband from Forever Communications
Forever Communications is part of Forever Group and an Authorised Supplier for BT. We supply BT Business Broadband to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations, and we help with each step from first enquiry to go-live.
- The right connection for your address: we check whether your premises can get Full Fibre or another access type, and explain what that means for speed; see checking availability
- A plan that fits how you work: we help you compare BT Business Broadband plans, including BT Business Ultra, and decide which add-ons such as Hybrid Backup or a static IP are worth having
- A clear quote: charges, minimum term and what is included set out in writing; see what affects the price
- Installation planned with you: we explain what happens before and on the day; see BT Business Broadband installation
- Connected services in one conversation: phones with BT Cloud Voice, Wi-Fi and security, or a BTnet leased line when broadband is no longer enough
BT Business Broadband is a business service. Speeds, features, service levels and availability are BT's and are confirmed at order.
Frequently asked questions
What is BT Hybrid Connect?
Hybrid Connect is the device BT supplies for Hybrid Backup. It works with your BT Business Smart Hub and switches your broadband to 4G automatically if the fixed line fails.
Is Hybrid Backup included with BT Business Broadband?
It is included with Enhanced and Pro, and can be added to Essential. Ultra uses its own 4G backup built into the Cisco Meraki equipment.
Does my static IP work on Hybrid Backup?
BT says your static IP and IP voice services keep working when the connection switches to 4G.
Does Hybrid Backup work in a power cut?
No. It covers a fault on the fixed line. The hub and Hybrid Connect device need mains power, so a power cut at your premises stops both unless you have your own backup power.
What is BT's Always Connected Guarantee?
BT's commitment that if Hybrid Backup fails to activate within 30 minutes of you reporting a fixed-line fault, you can claim compensation under BT's terms. One claim per contract term applies.
Can I use Hybrid Backup with my own router?
No. BT says using your own router or a hub in modem-only mode means you cannot use Hybrid Backup.
Still have a question about BT Hybrid Backup?
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