Race's voice service utilizes digital voice technology contingent on data connectivity and operates differently from a traditional landline. Without a backup battery (otherwise known as a UPS or uninterruptible power supply), your Race's voice service will disconnect if you lose power.
Race's voice service is powered by a Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and or Router. The ONT and or Router is typically located where your Race Fiber connection enters your home.
If the ONT / Router is correctly connected to the UPS your Race voice service will remain active during a power outage for as long as your UPS allows. A traditional landline phone (a phone without a separate power cable) connected to the ONT’s telephone jack will be able to get dial tone and make and receive calls. Note that any powered phone equipment (cordless base stations, digital phones) will need to be powered by a UPS or power generator during a power outage.
How to Acquire a UPS for Fiber Service
Race offers two battery backup options when you order voice service: one providing 8 hours of backup power ($149+tax) and one providing 24 hours of backup power ($299+tax). Purchases of UPS’s through Race, prior to ont installation, come with free technician installation and are warranted for one year. If your Race voice service has not yet been installed, you can request a backup battery from your Race technician during your service installation. Alternatively, you can purchase a UPS from a retailer such as Amazon. In order to support your Race voice service the battery purchase should provide a minimum of 75 watts and 125 VA (volt amps). Race recommends a dedicated UPS for the ONT phone equipment and our specifications are based on powering only the ONT equipment.
Note: Once you purchase your UPS from Race or a retailer, you are responsible for continuous monitoring, replacement, and any events that occur during a power outage.
Please also note:
ANY powered equipment connected to the telephone line will NOT work during a power outage (e.g. telecommunications devices used to assist customers with disabilities may require their own battery).
In the event of a power outage, limit the use of your backup power to voice emergency calling only.
Race Battery Backup Warranty
Race offers a one year warranty on all UPS purchases purchased directly from Race. Race will not provide replacement equipment unless a defect has occurred. If a defect arises during the one year warranty period, Race will exchange the product for a new UPS. This warranty is only applicable if you remain at the address where the battery was first installed. This warranty covers only those defects that arise as a result of normal use of the battery.
Your UPS should be easily accessible at all times in case of an emergency. Battery performance will be diminished if not kept in dry conditions within a temperature range of 32° F to 113° F (0° C to 45° C). Battery performance can also be reduced by the age of the device and the number of power outages.