It’s easy to take internet access for granted — until it goes down. Whether you're running a small business, managing a retail storefront, or operating a remote office, even a brief outage can grind productivity to a halt. But the real issue isn’t just inconvenience — it’s cost.
Let’s break down what’s really at stake during an outage, and how cellular failover 4G and/or 5G hardware solutions from ATEL can help you stay connected when it matters most.
What Does Internet Downtime Really Cost?
The average cost of internet downtime for small to mid-sized businesses ranges from $137 to $427 per minute. That adds up quickly — especially when outages last hours or even an entire day.
- Here’s where those losses come from
- Lost sales (especially for retail or e-commerce)
- Disrupted customer service
- Idle employees and stalled workflows
- Delayed transactions or communications
- Damage to brand reputation and customer trust
And the truth is, many businesses don’t realize how often downtime happens — until it starts impacting revenue.
Why Traditional Internet Alone Isn’t Enough
Cable and fiber connections are powerful, but they aren’t invincible. Common causes of outages include:
- Construction mishaps
- Weather conditions
- Network maintenance
- Power failures
- Equipment issues or outdated infrastructure
Wired networks also have a critical flaw: a single point of failure. When that cable line goes out, everything goes with it.
The Power of Cellular Failover
Cellular failover is a backup internet solution that automatically kicks in when your primary connection fails — keeping your business online without missing a beat.
Devices like ATEL’s PW550 support seamless failover by switching to a 4G LTE or 5G network when cable connections go down. The result? Uninterrupted service that ensures:
- Checkout systems stay online
- Team members can continue working
- Customers never know there was an issue
In some cases, businesses use cellular connectivity not just for failover — but as their primary connection when speed-to-deploy or mobility is essential.
Real-World Reliability with ATEL
ATEL products are designed with business continuity in mind. With features like:
- Dual SIM support
- Wide carrier compatibility (including AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon)
- Plug-and-play setup
- Enterprise-grade security
You can deploy a rock-solid backup strategy in minutes — not days.
Don’t Let an Outage Catch You Off Guard
Whether you’re a coffee shop processing mobile orders or a warehouse managing real-time inventory, internet downtime can take a real toll on your business. Cellular failover is no longer just a “nice-to-have” — it’s a must.
With ATEL’s product lineup, you can protect your bottom line, boost reliability, and keep your business moving — no matter what happens to the cable.
Want to talk about building a more resilient internet setup for your business?
Reach out to hello@atel-usa.com to explore ATEL’s plug-and-play failover solutions.
